By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has officially sworn in the newly elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Areas, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to grassroots governance and democratic leadership.
The inauguration, held at The Dome in Akure, followed the local government elections conducted on January 18, 2025, where candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured victory in all 18 councils and 203 councillorship positions.
Addressing the new local government leaders, Governor Aiyedatiwa underscored the significance of the local government system as the third tier of government, in line with Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
He emphasised that their election reaffirmed the people’s overwhelming trust in the APC, which had previously recorded a landslide victory in the gubernatorial election on November 16, 2024.
He reminded the newly sworn-in Chairmen that the oath they had taken was not just a ritual but a solemn commitment to serve with integrity, honesty, and transparency.
He charged them to fulfil the party’s manifesto by improving the lives of their constituents and ensuring developmental progress at the grassroots level.
Governor Aiyedatiwa urged the new officials to align their governance with his administration’s “O’ Datiwa, O’ Dirorun” (OUR EASE) New Development Agenda, which focuses on seven key pillars: Order, Security, and Rule of Law; Urban and Rural Development through Agriculture and the Blue Economy; Revolutionary Tech Advancement and Industrialisation; Efficient Healthcare and Socio-Economic Welfare; Adequate Power and Affordable Energy; Sustainable Infrastructure Development and Tourism; and Education, Human Capital Development, and Entrepreneurship.
He stressed the importance of prioritising the welfare of their people, fostering accountability, and working harmoniously with legislative councils and public servants to achieve sustainable development.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to the recently created 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), assuring that they have come to stay as part of efforts to bring governance closer to the people.
He commended the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) for conducting what he described as a peaceful, free, fair, and credible election.
Additionally, he appreciated the role of security agencies, election monitors, civil society organisations, and opposition parties in strengthening democracy within the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa extended his gratitude to the outgoing Transition Committee Chairmen and their members for their service, assuring them that their contributions would not be forgotten.
He urged all the newly elected officials to see their positions as a call to duty rather than an opportunity for personal gain.
“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 concluded.
