The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has named Unity, as the prerequisite for the take off of newly created LCDAs.

The Governor placed this demand on stakeholders as he embarked on a tour of the Northern Senatorial District of the State, to inspect facilities on ground for the take off of the newly created LCDAs as well as assess the level of preparedness of stakeholders.

The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, led a team on an inspection of newly created LCDAs in the Northern Senatorial District.

Arakunrin Akeredolu said his intention of creating the LCDAs was not to put division among the People, but to bring government closer to them and make the State develop faster, through Local Government administration.

He named Unity among the communities making up the LCDAs, as prerequisite for it’s take off, as the government will not tolerate any turbulence arising from creation of LCDAs.

According to him, no meaningful development can take place if stakeholders do not put aside selfish interests and come together in the interest of their communities.

The Governor said in response to the yearnings, agitations and aspirations of his people, he had to take the bull by the horn, to ensure that the newly created LCDAs see the light of the day.

He added that the Bill that created the LCDAs had been passed into law, accented to and sent to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, for implementation.

The Governor said , if stakeholders are ready and willing to do the needful, the LCDAs could take off in the next few days.

While seeking the continued support and collaboration of stakeholders, the Governor thanked them for their Prayers and for standing by him when it seemed all hopes were lost.

He reiterated commitment to the continued provision of amenities and infrastructure to make life better for the people.

Akeredolu sought the cooperation of all stakeholders in tackling insecurity in the State and making it a safe heaven for all and sundry.

At Oredegbe and Arigidi/Erusu LCDAs, there was disagreement on the location provided for permanent sites and name of the LCDAs the Governor apart from listening to all argument on the merit and demerits of the locations, he visited the sites for an on the spot assessment .

He the promised to invite the different interest groups to a meeting, with the view to resolving amicably, areas of differences.

All Monarchs and opinion leaders that responded were all thankful and full of praise for the Governor who they described as ” Talk and Do”

According to them, the agitation for Local Governments of their own, dates back to between 30 – 73 years ago.

They added that successive administrations had promised to create it but lacked the will to do so, until Arakunrin Akeredolu made their dreams come true.

The Obas, Reagents and Opinion Leaders are; The Elemure of Emure Ile, Oba Simeon Adedubaje Adeyefa, Oba Kofoworola Oladoyinbo Ojomo, the Ojomoluda of Ijebu, Prince Olatunbosun Agaun of Ipele, Alhaji Razak Apalowo, the Zaki of Arigidi, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, Osunla of Erusu, Oba Sunday Mogaji, Representative of the Akala of Ikaram, Comrade Momodu Braimoh, Oba Samuel Ayodele, the Oluwade of Akunnu, Hon. Benjamin Idowu of Ilelabo and the Alale of Akungba Oba Issac Adeyeye, the Olumoru of Imoru, Oba Rotimi Obamuwagun and the Onidogun of Idogun, Oba Ekundayo Bakare.

LCDAs visited in the Northern Senatorial District include : Owo Northwest, Owo South, Owo Northeast, Owo East, Irun /Ogbagi, Arigidi / Erusu, Isowopo, Ilelabo, Akoko South South, Oredegbe and Ireakari.

On the Governor’s entourage are : Commissioner on the Board of Local Government Service Commission and Nulge President, Engr. Bola Taiwo, Heads of Local Government Administration ( HOLGA) of the six Parent Local Government in the Northern Senatorial District, Director Local Government Affairs , Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Festus Asonja, his Deputy, Mr Adewale Alonge and a host of other Directors from the Local Government service amongst others.