LGA Autonomy: Ondo Undecided, Awaits Certified True Copy Of Supreme Court Judgement

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Government has maintained that decision on Local Government administration in the State will be based on understanding the intricacies of the Supreme Court judgment and determining the appropriate course of action for its implementation.

In the course of doing this, Government assured that the administrative apparatus of  Local Government is appropriately manned with suitable personnel.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had last week announced setting up of caretaker committees in the 18 local councils, an action which has generated criticism from opposition parties.

Attorney-General of Ondo State and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo SAN revealed that the state is yet to obtain the Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy and the enrolled Order from the apex court.

Ajulo,  in a statement on Wednesday, said his ministry is making efforts to secure the documents despite the challenges being faced in obtaining them.

He noted that the Supreme Court’s decision in the local government autonomy case was not unanimous with a split judgment of five against two.

According to him, the majority of the Justices even disagreed on the reliefs sought by the Federal Government, adding that “this complexity underscores the need for a careful and comprehensive analysis of the judgment.

“This judgment, which has garnered significant public interest, is indeed a matter of great importance to our legal system and the country as a whole.

“It is with utmost diligence and dedication that we have been actively pursuing the Certified True Copy of the judgment and the enrolled Order from the Supreme Court.

“Despite the challenges faced in obtaining these documents, I wish to assure the public that we are working tirelessly to secure the necessary materials.

“We must have access to a complete and accurate record of the judgment to thoroughly study its contents and implications.

“As we await the Certified True Copy of the judgment and the enrolled Order, we remain committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served.

“Our efforts are focused on understanding the intricacies of the judgment and determining the appropriate course of action for its implementation, while also ensuring that the administrative apparatus of our Local Government is appropriately manned with suitable personnel throughout the transitional phase.

“I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the steadfast and industrious Justices of the Supreme Court, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Attorneys General of the 36 States of the Federation for their dedication and professionalism in handling this complex matter.

“Their commitment to justice and the rule of law is commendable and sets a high standard for the entire legal community.

“I urge the public to remain patient as we navigate through this process with diligence and transparency.

“Rest assured that the Government of Ondo State, under the able leadership of His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, is dedicated to upholding the principles of justice and will carefully examine the judgment and promptly set the necessary mechanisms in motion, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to fully implementing the rule of law in all our endeavours.”