PUSH NEWS 24 INTERNATIONAL : November 30th, 2023
ONDO : CRISES LOOMS AS ARAROMI-OBU INDIGENES REJECT LCDA NOMINEES
Crises have continued to trail the alleged imposition of non-indigenous people as Chairman and Vice Chairman in the newly created Ifesowapo LCDA which is one of the created 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) from the 18 local government areas in Ondo State.
Push News 24 International reports that this comes two days after the state government purportedly released a list of Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen appointed to manage the affairs of the LCDAs.
But yesterday, some youths leaders and key stakeholders from Araromi-Obu Kingdom held a press conference and a peaceful procession to drive home their demands for the appointment of indigenous persons to head the newly created Ifesowapo LCDA.
Stakeholders from Araromi-Obu community have expressed dissatisfaction on how non-indigenes are imposed on an indigenous community like Araromi-Obu without any form of consultation or concensus agreement.
The leaders protested at what they described as an alleged systematic marginalisation by the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Ondo State government, which is unfair to the indigenous people of Araromi-Obu Kingdom.
Adenikiju Decendant Union, Gen. Secretary, Pastor Emmanuel Ojo in his own remarks said “While we appreciate our dear Governor His Excellency, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu for creating LCDAs so that development can come to grassroot, this insidious moves is anti development, we will be glad if Mr Governor can listen to the yearnings of our people before things go sour”.
Another community leader, Prince George Adenikinju, remarked that ” We are pleading with the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, not to allow this one to end the way other cases affecting Araromi-Obu Kingdom ended. We are passionate about it. It is a fundamental desire that our children unborn have a sense of belonging, short-changing our people is unjust and unfair ”, he appealed.
Pa Oni stressed that “The proposed appointment of 33 LCDAs Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen across the state had sparked widespread concerns and protests from the indigenous people, cutting across the three senatorial districts.
“Many individuals and groups have voiced their discontent, alleging that the alleged appointments into the LCDAs is politically motivated and do not reflect the socio-cultural inclinations of the people”.
Prince Francis Adenikinju laid the blame on the Representatives of Araromi-Obu, who according to him have not justified their essence in effectively representing the people.
Meanwhile, Araromi Obu Youth President under the leadership of Com. Dayo Akinro in a world press conference has Stated that it’s not unacceptable to appointed non indigene Hon Olanrewaju Makinde as Caretaker Chairman.
“this situation is a slap, embarrassment and insulting to our sensibility as an indigenous community for indegene not to be appointed as the first caretaker chairman of the newly created LCDA“
“This act will pose a great danger of the future of the LCDA and the future of the generation yet unborn of Araromi Obu community and it will also deepen the conspiration of our adversaries against us in the future” . Com Akinro stressed.
On Saturday, the speaker of the state House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, presented the bill to the governor for his assent.
Push News 24 International had reported that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo has signed into law the bill establishing the 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
Mr Akeredolu’s assent to the bill came after several protests which rocked the creation of the LCDAs.
The speaker of the state House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, presented the bill to the governor for his assent.
At the brief ceremony, Mr Akeredolu said the establishment of the LCDAs marked a substantial step towards fulfilling his campaign promises and addressing the people’s aspirations for enhanced grassroots development.
He said the initiative underscored his unwavering commitment to improving public service delivery, as it aims at bringing governance closer to the people, ultimately resulting in more responsive and efficient services.
The governor added that he remained dedicated to delivering impactful projects and innovative initiatives, stressing that he is poised to redouble his efforts in advancing the state’s development.
The 33 LCDAs were created from the statutory 18 local government areas of the state.
The number of local councils in the state will now be 51 by the creation of the new LCDAs.
In July, the government proposed the bill forwarded to the House of Assembly for enactment.
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