By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi 

The Ondo State local government elections held on Saturday witnessed the participation of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, who both underscored the importance of grassroots development and local government autonomy in achieving good governance.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, voting at Polling Unit 5, Ugbo Ward 4, in Ilaje Local Government Area, described the election as a significant step towards strengthening grassroots administration.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the effective running of the local government system in line with the law, emphasising its critical role in delivering development to the people.

The Governor praised the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) for its seamless conduct of the election and commended the residents for their participation.

“Local government autonomy is key to enhancing grassroots development,” he said while addressing journalists after casting his vote.

Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami, voting at Unit 16, Igboroko 2, Ward 3, in Owo Local Government Area, expressed satisfaction with voter turnout and urged those still at home to come out and perform their civic duties.

“The local government is the tier of government closest to the people, and participating in elections helps deepen the delivery of good governance at the grassroots level,” he stated.

Adelami also lauded ODIEC, security agencies, and other stakeholders for ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

Low Voter Turnout Raises Concerns

Despite the commendations, the election was marked by low voter turnout across many parts of the state, attributed largely to the withdrawal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), from the race.

In Akure, the state capital, polling units like Unit 35, Oke-Ogba, saw sparse attendance.

Chief Boluwaji Farinmo, a resident, noted that although some people came out to vote, the turnout was generally poor.

He urged the government to prioritise grassroots mobilisation and educate citizens on the importance of electoral participation.

At Ward 5, Unit 20, Adegbemile area in Akure, out of 867 registered voters, only 27 people came out to cast their votes.

Of the 27 votes cast, Labour Party got 6 votes, while APC scored 21 to emerge the winner.

Similarly, another voter, Mr Olamide Bello, called for increased investment in publicity campaigns to enlighten the public on the value of voting and electing capable leaders.

At Gbogi/Isinkan II along Agagu Road in Akure South Local Government Area, electoral officers and security personnel waited patiently for voters, while youths nearby engaged in a football match, symbolising the widespread apathy toward the polls.