The Akoko Development Group (ADG) has issued a stern warning to the Ondo State Government, declaring that there is a limit to what it described as growing impunity in governance, particularly as it affects the Akoko region.
In a communiqué released at the end of its 228th meeting held in Lagos on Sunday, March 29, 2026, the group expressed deep concern over the persistent infrastructural deficit and worsening insecurity across the four local government areas in Akokoland. It lamented that the area has been left exposed to banditry and kidnapping, leaving residents in fear and uncertainty.
The group also condemned what it termed the deliberate disobedience of a valid court judgment by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa regarding the creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
ADG recalled that on June 20, 2024, Adegboyega Adebusoye of the Ondo State High Court nullified the establishment of 33 LCDAs created under a 2023 law signed by the late former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu. The court held that the creation of the LCDAs was unconstitutional, null and void for failing to comply with Sections 7 and 8 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and restrained the government from taking further action on them.
According to the group, leaders from the four Akoko local governments made several efforts to engage the governor, urging him to comply with the court’s decision. It noted that Governor Aiyedatiwa had promised to address the matter after the December 2024 gubernatorial election, which he later won.
However, the group expressed disappointment that the promise was not fulfilled despite follow-up visits, letters, and appeals.
The communiqué further alleged that although the state government filed a notice of appeal, it failed to diligently pursue the process, describing the move as a ploy to delay justice while continuing actions contrary to the court’s ruling.
The ADG listed several actions it described as provocative and unlawful, including the continued funding of the nullified LCDAs with taxpayers’ money, presentation of the structures to a National Assembly committee for recognition, appointment of chairmen and councillors, and the provision of official vehicles to officials of the disputed councils.
The group maintained that such actions are illegal, unconstitutional, and a direct affront to the rule of law, stressing that no individual is above the Constitution.
It further described the governor’s conduct as a deliberate affront to the people of Akoko and a sign of disregard for the judiciary, noting that such treatment is unprecedented in the history of Ondo State.
“The gentility of a tiger is not an expression of timidity,” the communiqué stated, signaling the group’s readiness to take decisive action.
Consequently, the ADG announced its decision to return to court to seek fresh orders compelling the governor to comply with his oath of office and adhere strictly to the earlier judgment.
The group also placed the Governor and the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice on formal notice of its intended legal action.
The communiqué was E-signed by its President, Remi Omosowon.
