By Precious Oluwole

The government of Ondo State has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening security, improving infrastructure, health care and promoting traditional institutions.

These decisions were made during the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

Addressing the newsmen on Saturday, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, (SAN) revealed that the in a decisive step to curb the rising tide of kidnapping and cult-related violence, the government announced the enforcement of the death penalty for individuals convicted of kidnapping.

He noted the Council discussed key security concerns and resolved to begin the process of repealing certain laws relating to kidnapping in the state.

Ajulo noted that kidnapping and cultism have become major threats to safety and public order, adding that strengthening relevant legal frameworks would help deter such crimes and improve the overall security landscape. He disclosed that proposals would soon be transmitted to the House of Assembly for necessary legislative action.

Also speaking, Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, revealed that the Executive Council approved the construction of two major dual carriageway road projects in the state.

The first is the construction of a 24.75-kilometre dual carriageway from Ugbeyin Junction – Okitipupa Market – OAUSTECH – Ugbonla Junction – Igbokoda Jetty.

The road will feature a 9.3-metre wide carriageway on both sides, a 1.2-metre median, concrete line drains, walkways, asphaltic shoulders in undeveloped areas, a 3-metre utility area, and solar-powered streetlights along the median.

The entire road corridor is 28 metres wide, with a total right of way of 40 metres. It will also include modern traffic lights at critical intersections and is designed to carry heavy traffic with a reinforced pavement structure.

The second project is the construction of a 6.7-kilometre dual carriageway from Supare Junction – Akungba – Ikare Road in Akoko area of the state. The specifications are similar, including a 9.3-metre carriageway on either side, 1.2-metre median, reinforced concrete line drains, walkways, a 3-metre utility area, solar-powered streetlights, and traffic management systems. It is also built to withstand heavy vehicular movement.

In addition to these, the Council approved the provision and installation of 6,000 standalone solar streetlights across the three senatorial districts—2,000 each for Ondo North, Ondo Central, and Ondo South. This, according to Engr. Olawoye, is part of the state’s agenda to improve safety and public lighting infrastructure.

In the health sector, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Professor Simidele Odimayo,
also spoke on efforts to combat the spread of Lassa fever in the state, saying that a new research-based approach has been adopted to eliminate the disease. He highlighted recent successes in testing, referrals, and surveillance, which have already helped in managing cases effectively.

On traditional institutions, Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Comrade Bola Taiwo, announced the appointment of warrant chiefs to begin the process of selecting a new Olu-Oke of Okeigbo in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area.

He said the development became necessary following a court judgment which nullified the appointment of the late Babajide Lawrence Oluwole before his demise.

The Council also approved a memorandum to change the title of the Yasere of Ilepepe (Ugbo) chieftaincy to Yeyere of Oriretan in Ilaje Local Government Area, following objections raised by key stakeholders in the community.

Comrade Taiwo reiterated that the Aiyedatiwa administration values traditional rulers as essential partners in governance, particularly because of their closeness to the grassroots.