Akure, Ondo State – July 11, 2024
In a bold move, Otunba Bamidele Akingboye (OBA), the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate for the upcoming Ondo State governorship election, has launched a scathing attack on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, accusing him of flouting court orders and undermining democracy through recent appointments to local government bodies.
Akingboye’s criticism centers on Aiyedatiwa’s decision to appoint “Transition Committees” to oversee both Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), despite court rulings declaring LCDAs in Ondo State illegal. The SDP candidate argues that this move is a deliberate attempt to circumvent the democratic process and maintain control over local governance structures.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa’s actions are a clear violation of the rule of law,” Akingboye stated through his media adviser, Oyeniyi Iwakun. “By appointing these committees, he’s not only defying court judgments but also undermining the autonomy of local governments as guaranteed by the constitution.”
The controversy is further fueled by the indefinite postponement of LGA elections by the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC), which Akingboye claims is acting under the governor’s influence. Critics argue that this delay, coupled with the appointment of transition committees, is a tactic to maintain political control at the local level.
Akingboye also pointed to a Supreme Court judgment that reaffirmed LGA autonomy and declared caretaker committees for local governments unconstitutional. He urged the governor to respect this ruling and proceed with proper LGA elections.
The SDP candidate’s statement reflects growing tensions in Ondo State’s political landscape as the 2024 governorship election approaches. Akingboye called on the citizens of Ondo State to reject what he termed “authoritarian tactics” and push for immediate, fair LGA elections.
As this political drama unfolds, all eyes are on Governor Aiyedatiwa’s next move and the potential impact on local governance in Ondo State. The governor’s office has yet to respond to these allegations.
This developing story highlights the ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s democratic process, particularly at the local government level, and sets the stage for what promises to be a hotly contested gubernatorial race in Ondo State.
