Aiyedatiwa Presides Over Ondo Exco Meeting; Approves Selection Of Obas, Committee On Palliatives

By Ayodele Oni

The first Ondo State Executive Council meeting since the absence of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu from the State almost two months ago was held on Thursday.

Despite transmitting power to the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Council meeting has not been held which made the people to think that Aiyedatiwa was not in control.

Rather, members of the Council have been trading accusations among themselves, with some doubting the loyalty of others to the Governor in his absence.

Governor Akeredolu had written to the House of Assembly early in the week requesting for the extension of his medical leave until asked by his doctors to return.

At its meeing on Thursday, the State Executive Council constituted a nine-man committee on  palliatives that will work out strategies to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal in the State.

The  meeting was presided over by the Acting Governor, Aiyedatiwa and held at the Council chamber, Governor’s office, Alagbaka Akure.

Briefing the press after the Council Meeting, the Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Pastor Femi Agagu who led the briefing said, Council deliberated on the affairs of the State, particularly the pains on residents ocassioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.

Agagu, while speaking on the infrastructural projects, disclosed that, Council approved the award of contract for the construction of 4.75Km selected roads in Igbobini and Agadagba, in Ese-Odo Local Government Area.

He added that, the construction of 1000m concrete walkway at Obe-Nla in Ilaje Local Government Area was also approved by the council.

Commissioner of Economic Planning and Budget,  Emmanuel Igbasan disclosed that the State Government has constituted a nine-man committee headed by Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale, which amongst other things is to fashion out an enduring palliatives measures to remedy the excruciating effects of fuel subsidy removal within available resources.

On the flood situation; Council commiserated with victims of flood and  erosion in the state, particularly in Akure, the State capital as government appealed to residents to always embrace good environmental habits.

Special Adviser on Environment, Oyeniyi Oseni who spoke on the subject said government has taken steps to curtail floods in the State.

The Commissioner also disclosed that Government has deployed equipments to clear flood prone areas in the State.

He also said Council has approved the construction of flood channels, drainage system and improved drainage network that will help to end the perennial flooding and erosion in the State.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro equally disclosed that the State Executive Council gave approval for the following newly elected Obas in the State.

They are Prince Mafo Ilesanmi, Maporure of Agerige-Aheri Land, Ilaje, Prince Joshua Adebimpe Asumo, Olukaro of Ikaro, Ose, Prince Olugbemi Sewo, Oloto of Igbisin- Oloto, Okitipupa, Prince Adefemi Ajiboye, Olugbe of Ugbe, Akoko North East and Adetuwo Segun Joseph, Olu of Igodan-Lisa, Okitipupa..