By Precious Oluwole

The newly elected chairmen and Vice Chairmen of Local Government Areas across Ondo State have officially taken the oath of office, marking the beginning of their tenure.

The new local government chairmen are; Owolabi Esan from Akoko North West, Gbenga Fasua from Akure South, Akinfe Olajide from Irele, Ayotunde Akinfolarin from Ondo west, Tope Omolayo from Owo, Ebimobowei Molos from Ese Odo, Adeboye Adebare from Ile Oluji/Oke Igbo, Adegoroye Taiwo from Odigbo, Andrew Ogunsakin from Okitipupa, Mohammed Mutiu from Akoko North East.

Others are; Ezekiel Ayorinde Ajana from Akoko South West, Oladipupo Ajibola from Ifedore, Omolehin Jude Ayegbo from Akoko South East, Ogunbolude Johnson from Akure North, Smart Adeluyi Omotadowa from Idanre, Oripenaye Maurice from Ilaje, Clement Kolapo Ojo from Ose, Ogunduyilemi Kola Joshua from Ondo East.

In his address, Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that the event is a pivotal turning point in the life of grassroots governance, stressing that the outcome of the last local government election in the State is a testament to the indisputable preference of the people of Ondo State for the All Progressives Congress.

While congratulating them, the Governor reminded them that the oath they took is not a mere formality, but a solemn promise to serve the people with integrity, honesty and transparency.

“It is a fundamental constitutional procedure which imposes on you the burden of leadership, selfless service, altruism and a sacred responsibility to deliver on the manifesto of our Party, including your campaign promises to improve on their lives. It is never a privilege for personal gains or self-aggrandisement but a commitment to serve the people who had freely surrendered their sovereign will to you. This social contract should be inviolable.

“I urge you to embrace the now popular mantra of ‘People First’ governance approach, prioritising transparency, accountability and the needs of our citizens. Let us join hands to build a brighter future for our people. Together, we can achieve greatness. Side by side, we will deliver the dividends of good governance that our people deserve. I look forward to working closely with each and every one of you to achieve this noble goal.

“As servant-leaders, you must be prepared to innovate and be driven by passion for the welfare and prosperity of our people. You must be deliberate about the development of your local government areas. In discharging your duties, you must ensure collaboration and synergy with the legislative Councils, as well as the career public servants and be accountable to the people in whom sovereignty resides. Please listen to the voices of your people, to feel their pains and to respond to their needs appropriately”.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, however, reiterated that the 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) have come to stay, adding that they are a creation of law, to further bring government closer to the people of Ondo State. “We have a collective duty to ensure their survival. At all times, they must enjoy mutual trust and inclusivity from the parent local governments”.

He applauded the Chairman and Management of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) for conducting a peaceful, free, fair, credible and conclusive Local Government Election and also, security agencies, election monitors and Civil Society Organisations that monitored the entire electioneering processes.

He also appreciated the outgoing Transition Committee Chairmen and their members across the 18 Local Government Areas for their pivotal services to the State.

Responding on behalf of other chairmen, Akure South Local Government chairman, Hon. Gbenga Fasua vowed to bring transformative development to their respective localities. “We’ll ensure that our people see the impact of good governance”.

The grand event which took place at The Dome had in attendance; The Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, State Chairman of APC, Engr Ade Adetimehin, members of Ondo State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, Traditional rulers, former members of the State Executive Council, among other eminent personalities.