94 Communities Show Interest On Creation Of LCDAs In Ondo–Committee Chairman

By Niyi Olutunde, Akure

The Chairman of the Committee on Creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Ondo State, Prince Adelanke Odogiyon yesterday revealed that the committee has received 94 memoranda from interested towns and communities that wish to have LCDAs in their locality in the state.

Speaking at a press conference in Akure, Prince Odogiyon noted that the press briefing was aimed at updating the general public on progress made by the Committee so far.

According to him, Odogiyon said the creation of LCDAs in the state is legal and constitutional.

Odogiyon observed that any state that is interested in creation of LCDAs can do so because it can be substantiated legally, stressing that Supreme Court has ruled that creation of LCDAs is legitimate, while States lack power to create local government expect the National Assembly.

He explained further that each member of the Committee has been given copies of the submitted memoranda to study, adding that they will reconvene next week to review and analyse contents of the Memo.

He also stated that members of the Committee are not under any undue pressure from any quarter, saying they will follow the mandate given to them to a logical conclusion through diligent and due process.

The Chairman of the Committee also maintained that members of the Committee will soon visit all places where they received memoranda in order to have face to face interaction with the concerned people.

Odogiyon however called for the cooperation of the people of the state, as the government is ready to do laudable programmes that will affect the state positively, where governance will be brought to the door steps of the masses.

In his remarks, the Secretary of the Committee, who also doubles as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Deji Akinwalere said the creation of the LCDAs would bring good governance closer to the people and people at the grassroots will have their say in government.

Akinwalere added that development will be rapid in the state, stressing that decentralisation of governance and power is key to development.i