The Ondo State Government has responded to the recent court ruling declaring the creation of 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) by the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as unconstitutional and illegal. In a statement, the government assured that it will employ all necessary measures to safeguard the interests of its citizens, foster peaceful coexistence, and uphold the rule of law.
The Ondo State High Court in Akure had ruled that the LCDAs were not lawfully created, prompting the government to request a certified true copy of the judgment for thorough review and analysis. The Honourable Attorney General, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, has committed to prioritizing the well-being and welfare of citizens and ensuring that justice and the law are served.
The creation of the LCDAs had been a controversial issue, with the late Governor Akeredolu signing the bill into law in September 2023. The newly created LCDAs had been co-existing with the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state, bringing the total to 51.
The government’s response aims to address the concerns of citizens and ensure a peaceful resolution to the issue. The outcome of this development remains to be seen, as the government navigates the legal and political implications of the court’s ruling.