LCDAs: Accept govt’s decision, Odogiyan advises

By Kehinde Oluwatayo
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The people of Ondo state have been advised to accept the outcome and decision of the state government in creating Local Council Development  Areas.

The Chairman of the Committee on LCDAs Creation in the state, Prince Adelanke Odogiyan gave the advice shortly after the committee rounded off its public hearing on the exercise in Ifon in Ose Local Government Area.

The committee moved to Owo and Ose Local Government Areas on Monday where 12 LCDAs were proposed to be created.

   Speaking further, Odogiyan said over 100 LCDAs were proposed to be created from the existing 18 local governments of Ondo State adding that the state can not have up to that number.

The legal practitioner called on the people of the state to take the eventual outcome in good faith and must not allow it to cause division or strife among themselves.

  While describing the public hearing exercise as educative, Odogiyan said it has opened his eyes and understanding to local politics across the state.

    When asked what the exact number of the proposed LCDAs was, Odogiyan said “Sincerely and honestly, we have not taken a decision on that, and we have not been instructed by anybody.

     According to him, the committee will take a second look at the memoranda, review what it heard at the public hearing, make further clarifications if necessary and commence writing its report.

Odogiyan charged the people to keep hope alive saying that the state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is someone who matches his plans, pursues them with convictions.

While assuring that the committee would not exceed the three months given to it, the Chairman noted that they would have concluded and submitted their report on or before the end of the time.

In Owo local government, eight LCDAs were proposed to be carved out and they include Owo North West with the headquarters in Emure ile, Owo West with the headquarters in Isaipen, Owo South East with the headquarters in Ijebu Owo, Owo East with the headquarters in Ofi/Ipele and Owo Municipal with the headquarters in Oke Mapo.

The rest are Ipele LCDA with the headquarters in Ipele, Owo North West with the headquarters in Uso and Owo West with the headquarters in Ehin Ogbe.

    Speaking shortly after the exercise, the Ojomo Luda of Ijebu Owo,  Oba Kofoworola said there is no acrimony among the people,  adding that people are only aspiring to own their government.

   Also speaking, Chairman of Councillor’s Forum in Owo local government, Mr. Taiye Adako described the idea as a laudable one and called on the people to support the governor in his quest to develop the state.

In Ose Local Government, four LCDAs were proposed to be created including Irekari with Idoani as the headquarters, Ose South with the headquarters in Arimogija, Oredegbe with the headquarters in Okeluse and another Oredegbe with the headquarters in Omolege.

Speaking during the exercise, the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Adeusi Adegoke said the people remained united and have resolved that LCDAs should be created for them.

    He assured the committee of the commitment of the people to the government of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s developmental programmes in the state.