The Ondo State High Court in Akure has invalidated the creation of 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) by the administration of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Justice Adegboyega Adebusoye ruled on Thursday that the establishment of these LCDAs was unconstitutional and illegal, particularly noting that it was improper for a governor to sign a law outside the state.
The 33 LCDAs were created through a bill signed into law by Governor Akeredolu at his private residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, shortly before his death. This bill, presented to him by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oladiji Olamide, was intended to supplement the 18 constitutionally created Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Ondo State, increasing the total number of local councils to 51.
The Akoko Development Initiative (ADI), which challenged the creation of the LCDAs, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision. In a statement signed by Rt. Hon. Bakitta Bello, Mr. Lawal Rogbitan, and Matthew Ofosile, ADI emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional provisions and principles of fairness, equity, and justice in governance.
“Our suit before His Lordship, Hon. Justice Adegboyega O. Adebusoye, raised several questions, including whether the creation of the 33 LCDAs was valid without the request and approval of a 2/3 majority of members representing Akoko Land in the House of Assembly and Legislative Councils,” the statement read.
“We also questioned whether the law took into account the principles of population spread, justice, equity, and fairness.”
The court granted several reliefs, including a perpetual injunction preventing the implementation of the Ondo State Local Government Council Development Areas Law 2023. ADI expressed gratitude for the court’s decision, seeing it as a victory for democracy and a step towards ensuring peace and sustainable development in Ondo State.
“The court’s informed declarations support our position and safeguard the aspirations of the Akoko people and other ethnic groups in Ondo State to coexist peacefully and pursue even and sustainable development,” the statement continued.
“We remain resolute and determined to fight for justice, no matter the obstacles.”
The judgment underscores the necessity of following constitutional processes in governance and the importance of ensuring laws are enacted within the appropriate jurisdictions.
