Otunba Bamidele Akingboye (OBA), the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate for the Ondo 2024 governorship election, has condemned the action of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa disregarding the rule of law and court rulings, which poses a grave threat to democracy in Ondo State.
Upon the judgments of the court declaring Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Ondo State illegal, Governor Aiyedatiwa persists in undermining local government autonomy. His recent hasty appointment of “Transition Committees” to oversee both Local Government Areas (LGAs) and LCDAs is a desperate ploy to maintain control and milk the state dry, rather than upholding constitutional mandates.
Governor Aiyedatiwa continues to manipulate the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC), directing them to indefinitely postpone crucial LGA elections. This blatant disregard for democratic processes raises serious questions about the Governor’s intentions. What exactly does he aim to “transition” when he shows no commitment to conducting lawful LGA elections as required by the constitution?
Otunba Akingboye, while not opposing LCDAs in principle, staunchly advocates for due process and adherence to the rule of law. He welcomes the Supreme Court judgment reaffirming LGA autonomy and their status as the constitutionally recognized third tier of government. This ruling clearly states that allocations must be paid directly to local government councils and that caretaker committees are illegal and unconstitutional.
It appears Governor Aiyedatiwa anticipated this judgment, hence his epileptic moves to circumvent proper democratic channels. However, the citizens of Ondo State must recognize that a day of reckoning approaches. The masses will soon have their say at the ballot box, putting an end to Governor Aiyedatiwa’s machinations.
We call on the people of Ondo State to reject these authoritarian tactics and usher in a new era of democratic governance. ODIEC must be compelled to conduct free, fair, and transparent LGA elections without further delay.
The tenure of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s misrule in Ondo State is nearing its end. The time has come for the will of the people to prevail.
Signed,
Oyeniyi Iwakun
Strategic Communications and Media Adviser to the Ondo 2024 SDP Candidate
