Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has taken a decisive step by suspending the caretaker chairmen overseeing the 18 local government areas and 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state. The suspension comes in the wake of an ongoing legal battle surrounding the appointment of these caretaker committees.
An Akure High Court, led by Justice Yemi Fasanmi, had granted an interim injunction filed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The injunction sought to restrain the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu from inaugurating any person not democratically elected to administer the affairs of the local councils and LCDAs.
Despite the court’s initial order, the caretaker chairmen resumed office, citing that they had already been sworn in before the injunction was granted. However, Aiyedatiwa’s recent move to suspend them until the court determines the case indicates a firm stance on upholding legal processes.
The suspension was communicated through a letter from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, signed by Alonge Adewale. The letter emphasized the need for the caretaker chairmen to relinquish their roles, as their continued presence was in violation of the court’s directive.
The Ministry directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGAs) in all LGAs/LCDAs to assume acting capacity immediately. The caretaker chairmen were instructed to submit all assets and properties of the LGAs/LCDAs without delay.
However, one of the suspended caretaker chairmen, speaking anonymously, revealed that they had obtained a stay of execution against the court order.
Expressing surprise at Aiyedatiwa’s decision not to abide by the stay, the caretaker chairman mentioned the likelihood of the case proceeding to the Supreme Court for resolution. The ongoing legal battle raises questions about the intersection of political appointments and judicial processes in Ondo State.
