High Court Ruling
An Ondo State High Court in Akure nullified the creation of 33 Local Government Development Areas (LCDAs) by the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. The court declared these LCDAs illegal, describing their creation as unlawful. Akeredolu had signed the law in September 2023 to expand the council areas from 18 to 51, but the signing took place outside Ondo State, making it unconstitutional.
Legal Implications
Justice A.O. Adebusuoye delivered the judgment, emphasizing that signing the law outside the state rendered it null and void. The lawsuit was filed by the Akoko Development Initiative and 22 others, who argued that the creation of the 33 LCDAs was not in line with the law. The court’s decision has significant implications for the administrative structure of Ondo State.
Reaction from Plaintiffs
The plaintiffs welcomed the court’s ruling. Bakita Bello, the Coordinator of Akoko Development Initiative, praised the judgment for safeguarding the aspirations of the people. Bello emphasized that the ruling promotes fairness, equity, and justice, and serves as a guide for future governance in Ondo State. The plaintiffs expressed their determination to continue fighting for justice.
Government’s Response
Following the court’s ruling, the state government vowed to appeal the decision. Commissioner for Information, Baba Dantiye, confirmed the government’s intention to challenge the judgment. The government argues that the creation of the LCDAs was a necessary step for the development of the state, and it aims to reverse the court’s decision through the appeal process.
Impact on Local Governance
The nullification of the 33 LCDAs has significant consequences for local governance in Ondo State. The late Governor Akeredolu had appointed 33 caretaker chairmen to manage these areas, but their inauguration was halted by the court. This decision leaves the state with the original 18 local government areas, affecting administrative and developmental plans.
Community Reactions
Residents and community leaders have expressed mixed reactions to the court’s decision. While some support the ruling for upholding the law, others worry about the potential disruption to local governance and development projects. The state government now faces the challenge of addressing these concerns while navigating the legal appeal process.
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