. Swears in 18 newly elected chairmen, vice
. Says LCDAs have come to stay
. Gov commends ODIEC over free, fair peaceful polls
. We will deliver impactful governance — Chairmen assure

By Adedotun Ajayi.

The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has sworn in the newly elected chairmen and vice chairmen in the 18 local government areas of the state, marking a significant step in restoring democratic governance at the grassroots level.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at The Dome, Akure, on Monday.

The local government chairmen, their deputies and councillors were elected on January 18, 2025, during the state council polls, in which candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won across all 18 Local Government areas and 203 councillorship positions.

Speaking at the swearing – in, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the importance of the local government system as the third tier of government, in line with Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

He noted that the outcome of the elections reaffirmed the people’s overwhelming preference for the APC, which had previously secured a 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.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa urged the new chairmen and their deputies to align their governance with his administration’s New Development Agenda, ‘O’ Datiwa, O’ Dirorun’ (OUR EASE), which focuses on seven key pillars:
• Order, Security, and Rule of Law
• Urban/Rural Development via Agriculture and Blue Economy
• Revolutionary Tech Advancement and Industrialization
• 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 prioritize the welfare of their constituents, foster accountability, and collaborate with legislative councils and public servants. He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to the 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), stressing that they have come to stay as a means of bringing governance closer to the people.

The governor commended the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) for conducting a peaceful, free, fair, and credible election and appreciated security agencies, election monitors, civil society organizations, and opposition parties for their roles in strengthening democracy.

He also expressed gratitude to the outgoing Transition Committee chairmen for their service to the state, assuring them that their contributions would not be forgotten.

“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 their swearing-in ceremony, the newly elected chairmen of local government areas in the State expressed their commitment to delivering impactful governance at the grassroots level.

Speaking after taking the oath of office, the chairman of Akure south local government, Hon Gbenga Fasua expressed his excitement about the opportunity to serve his people.

“I feel elated and deeply honored 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 prioritize empowerment programs, particularly for youths and women, to create more economic opportunities and reduce unemployment. Hon. Fasua called on corporate organizations and private investors to collaborate with the local government in driving sustainable development.

Similarly, the chairman of Akoko Northeast Local Government, Hon. Muhammed mutiu, assured residents of his determination to succeed in office.

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

Hon. Mutiu emphasized his commitment to partnerships with corporate bodies and stakeholders, urging them to support initiatives aimed at improving education, healthcare, and local industries.

List of newly elected local government chairmen in Ondo State

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