By Adedotun Ajayi

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has sworn in the newly elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Areas, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to grassroots democracy.

The ceremony, held at The Dome in Akure on Monday, followed the local government elections conducted on January 18, 2025, in which candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured victory across all 18 Local Government Areas and 203 Councillorship positions.

Addressing the gathering, Aiyedatiwa underscored the critical role of local governments as the third tier of government, as enshrined in Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

He highlighted the election outcome as a reaffirmation of the people’s confidence in the APC, following the party’s landslide victory in the November 16, 2024 gubernatorial election.

“I must remind the elected Chairmen that the oath you have just taken is not a mere formality but a solemn promise to serve our people with integrity, honesty, and transparency,” the governor stated. “It is a commitment to deliver on the manifesto of our party and to improve the lives of our people at the grassroots level.”

Aiyedatiwa urged the new Chairmen and their deputies to align their governance with his administration’s New Development Agenda, known as ‘O’ Datiwa, O’ Dirorun’ (OUR EASE), which prioritises seven key pillars: Order, Security, and Rule of Law; Urban/Rural Development via Agriculture and Blue Economy; Revolutionary Tech Advancement and Industrialisation; Efficient Healthcare and Socio-Economic Welfare; Adequate Power and Affordable Energy; Sustainable Infrastructure Development and Tourism; Education, Human Capital Development, and Entrepreneurship

He charged the newly elected leaders to prioritise public welfare, ensure accountability, and collaborate with legislative councils and public servants. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), stressing that they would remain a permanent structure for decentralising governance.

The governor commended the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) for conducting a peaceful and credible election and acknowledged the contributions of security agencies, election monitors, civil society organisations, and opposition parties in strengthening democracy.

He also extended gratitude to the outgoing Transition Committee Chairmen, assuring them that their contributions would be remembered.

“As we embark on this journey, let us work together to build a brighter future for our people. Side by side, we will deliver the dividends of good governance that our citizens deserve,” he added.

Following the swearing-in, some of the newly elected Chairmen expressed their commitment to delivering effective governance at the grassroots level.

Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Gbenga Fasua, described his election as an opportunity to drive meaningful development.

“I feel elated and deeply honoured to be entrusted with this responsibility. My administration will be focused on infrastructural development, ensuring that our communities witness significant progress in road construction, public facilities, and other critical projects,” he said.

He also pledged to prioritise empowerment programmes, particularly for youths and women, to boost economic opportunities and tackle unemployment. He called on corporate organisations and private investors to partner with the local government in fostering sustainable development.

Similarly, Chairman of Akoko North-East Local Government, Muhammed Mutiu, assured residents of his dedication to making a difference.

“We are here to make a difference. My leadership will be people-centred, with a strong emphasis on infrastructural growth and economic empowerment,” he stated.

Mutiu reaffirmed his commitment to working with corporate bodies and stakeholders to enhance education, healthcare, and local industries.

Full List of Newly Elected Local Government Chairmen

1. Owolabi Esan – Akoko North West

2. Gbenga Fasua – Akure South

3. Akinfe Olajide – Irele

4. Ayotunde Akinfolarin – Ondo West

5. Tope Omolayo – Owo

6. Ebimobowei Molos – Ese Odo

7. Adeboye Adebare – Ile Oluji/Oke Igbo

8. Adegoroye Taiwo – Odigbo

9. Andrew Ogunsakin – Okitipupa

10. Mohammed Mutiu – Akoko North East

11. Ezekiel Ayorinde Ajana – Akoko South West

12. Oladipupo Ajibola – Ifedore

13. Omolehin Jude Ayegbo – Akoko South East

14. Ogunbolude Johnson – Akure North

15. Smart Adeluyi Omotadowa – Idanre

16. Oripenaye Maurice – Ilaje

17. Clement Kolapo Ojo – Ose

18. Ogunduyilemi Kola Joshua – Ondo East