By Tosin Adesile
Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa,Governor of Ondo State on Monday inagurated the newly elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Areas of the state, marking a significant step in restoring democratic governance at the grassroots level.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at The Dome, Akure, followed the local government elections conducted on January 18, 2025, in which candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won across all 18 Local Government Areas and 203 Councillorship positions.
Speaking at the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the importance of the local government system as the third tier of government, in line with Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
He noted that the outcome of the elections reaffirmed the people’s overwhelming preference for the APC, which had previously secured a landslide victory in the November 16, 2024, gubernatorial election in the State.
“I must remind the elected Chairmen that the oath you have just taken is not a mere formality but a solemn promise to serve our people with integrity, honesty, and transparency,” the Governor stated.
“It is a commitment to deliver on the manifesto of our party and to improve the lives of our people at the grassroots level”, he added.
Governor Aiyedatiwa urged the new Chairmen and their deputies to align their governance with his administration’s New Development Agenda, ‘O’ Datiwa, O’ Dirorun’ (OUR EASE), which focuses on seven key pillars: Order, Security, and Rule of Law, Urban/Rural Development via Agriculture and Blue Economy, Revolutionary Tech Advancement and Industrialization, Efficient Healthcare and Socio-Economic Welfare, Adequate Power and Affordable Energy, Sustainable Infrastructure Development and Tourism, Education, Human Capital Development, and Entrepreneurship.
He charged them to prioritize the welfare of their constituents, foster accountability, and collaborate with legislative councils and public servants. He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to the 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), stressing that they have come to stay to bring governance closer to the people.
The Governor commended the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) for conducting a peaceful, free, fair, and credible election and appreciated security agencies, election monitors, civil society organizations, and opposition parties for their roles in strengthening democracy.
He also expressed gratitude to the outgone Transition Committee Chairmen and members for their service to the state, assuring them that their contributions would not be forgotten.
“As we embark on this journey, let us work together to build a brighter future for our people. Side by side, we will deliver the dividends of good governance that our citizens deserve,” he added.
Full List of Newly Elected Local Government Chairmen in Ondo State
1. Owolabi Esan – Akoko North West
2. Gbenga Fasua – Akure South
3. Akinfe Olajide – Irele
4. Ayotunde Akinfolarin – Ondo West
5. Tope Omolayo – Owo
6. Ebimobowei Molos – Ese Odo
7. Adeboye Adebare – Ile Oluji/Oke Igbo
8. Adegoroye Taiwo – Odigbo
9. Andrew Ogunsakin – Okitipupa
10. Mohammed Mutiu – Akoko North East
11. Ezekiel Ayorinde Ajana – Akoko South West
12. Oladipupo Ajibola – Ifedore
13. Omolehin Jude Ayegbo – Akoko South East
14. Ogunbolude Johnson – Akure North
15. Smart Adeluyi Omotadowa – Idanre
16. Oripenaye Maurice – Ilaje
17. Clement Kolapo Ojo – Ose
18. Ogunduyilemi Kola Joshua – Ondo East
