— Vows to compel Aiyedatiwa’s compliance

By Dayo Johnson

The Akoko Development Group (ADG) has declared that it will return to court to seek fresh orders compelling the state governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to comply with the verdict on the nullification of the Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Ondo state.

Recall that the LCDAs were nullified by the Ondo State High Court in June 2024, but the state government allegedly continues to operate and fund them with public resources.

Rising from its 228th meeting, the group raised the alarm over rising tensions in the region, following the disobeying a court judgment on the creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

The ADG, in a communique issued and signed by its President, Remi Omosowon, warned against continued disregard to the court ruling on the controversial Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

Omosowon said it could trigger avoidable crisis and unrest, stressing that “there is a limit to impunity.”

The group alleged that the disobedience of the court order by the governor was undermining the rule of law and could trigger unrest in the region.

They attributed the state of insecurity in the area to failing infrastructure and to what it termed prolonged government neglect across the four local government areas.

He listed actions taken by the government, to include appointing officials to the voided LCDAs and providing them with vehicles, as provocative and illegal.

According to the communiqué, “on June 20, 2024, Adegboyega Adebusoye declared the creation of 33 LCDAs unconstitutional for failing to comply with Sections 7 and 8 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and restrained the state government from taking further action on them”

“Despite the ruling, the ADG alleged that the state government has continued to operate and fund the LCDAs with public resources, describing the move as illegal and provocative.

The group said several delegations of Akoko leaders had met with the governor, who reportedly promised to comply with the judgment after the December 2024 gubernatorial election, which he won, but noted that the promise has yet to be fulfilled.

It further alleged that although the government filed a notice of appeal, it has not pursued the case, accusing the administration of using the process as a delay tactic while continuing actions contrary to the court’s directive.

Among the actions listed by the group are the appointment of chairmen and councillors into the voided LCDAs, provision of official vehicles to their officials, and presentation of the structures to a National Assembly committee for recognition.l, despite the court ruling nullifying their existence.

They argued that the funds being expended in running the outlawed LCDAs are unconstitutional and a direct affront on the rule of law. No individual is above the Constitution,” the group stated.

The group who described the governor’s actions as a sign of disregard for both the judiciary and the people of Akoko, warned that such conduct undermines democratic principles and the rule of law.

” No governor in the history of Ondo State has treated the Akoko people with such disregard,”

The group who added that its restraint should not be mistaken for weakness, disclosed its plan to return to court to seek fresh orders compelling the state government to comply with the judgment and uphold constitutional provisions.

It maintained that its actions are aimed at defending the rule of law and protecting the interests of the Akoko people.

“The continued funding and operation of these illegal structures amount to a violation of the Constitution and a direct affront on the rule of law. No one is above the law,” the communiqué stated.

The ADG described the governor’s stance as a sign of disregard for both the judiciary and the people of Akoko, warning that such actions could escalate tensions in the area.

It added that no previous administration in the state, whether military or civilian, had treated the Akoko people with such perceived neglect and disrespect.

The group, however, vowed to pursue legal means to address the situation, announcing plans to return to court to seek fresh orders compelling the state government to comply with the judgment and uphold constitutional provisions.

It maintained that its intervention is necessary to prevent a breakdown of law and order and to protect the integrity of democratic institutions in the state.