The Chairman of Owo South Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Shehu Lawalson, has commended His Royal Majesty, Oba Kofoworola Oladoyinbo, the Ojomoluda of Ijebu-Owo Kingdom, for his unwavering commitment to the development of Owo South LCDA and the overall progress of Ondo State.
A statement by the Media Aide, Olubunmi Babatunde quoted Hon. Lawalson to have made the commendation during a courtesy visit to the monarch’s palace in Ijebu-Owo on Monday, where he was accompanied by members of the LCDA’s executive committee.
He also delivered goodwill messages from Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Owolabi Adelami, praising the monarch’s long-standing service to the community and his contribution to peace and development.

The LCDA Chairman highlighted the role played by Oba Oladoyinbo during the last elections, noting how the Kabiyesi mobilized support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), which contributed to the party’s success at the polls.

“Kabiyesi has demonstrated visionary leadership and has been instrumental in the creation and development of Owo South LCDA,” Lawalson said. “His efforts in strengthening the political and infrastructural fabric of Ijebu-Owo have been remarkable, and we are grateful for his enduring service.”

The Chairman further requested the use of a hall owned by the monarch, located near the Federal Medical Centre Annex, to serve as a temporary office space for the LCDA. The Kabiyesi graciously granted the request.

Oba Oladoyinbo, while responding, urged the LCDA executives to work together in the early stages of the council’s establishment, stressing the importance of building a strong foundation for future growth. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the re-election of Governor Aiyedatiwa and Deputy Governor Adelami in the forthcoming elections.

The visit concluded with the LCDA executive expressing their appreciation for Kabiyesi’s support, promising to maintain close collaboration with the palace to drive the council’s development agenda.

The Chairman, Owo South Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Ondo State, Hon. Shehu Lawalson has commended the good people of Owo South LCDA, for their commitment to peace, stability and progress especially in the light of the nationwide hunger protest that has ravaged other states in the country.
He specifically lauded the Ojomoluda of Ijebu-Owo, Kabiyesi, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kofoworola Oladoyinbo and Kabiyesi, Alale of Ilale, His Royal Highness, Oba Kokuma Oluwabamise, all Community Leaders, Religious Leaders, other traditional Leaders, market Women and Youths in the LCDA.
A statement by his personal assistant/ media aide, Olubunmi Babatunde quoted the Chairman to have expressed appreciation to the good people of Owo South LCDA for shunning the nationwide protest.
“My gratitude also goes to Ojomoluda of Ijebu-Owo, Kabiyesi, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kofoworola Oladoyinbo, Kabiyesi, Alale of Ilale kingdom, His Royal Highness, Oba Kokuma Oluwabamise and their Chiefs for appealing to their subjects to shun the protest”.
The former Whip, Ondo State House of Assembly, also showered accolades on the religious Leaders, Civil Servants, the market Women, Students, Artisans and Youths.
“I equally appreciate the youths for going about their normal businesses. We also thank the security agents for maintaining peace and orderliness”.
“I still want you to continue in that patriotic spirit. Although our Constitution allows for a violence-free protest but see what happened in Edo, Kano, Katsina states where touts hijacked the peaceful protest by looting warehouses, shops even recording loss of lives.
“That is not encouraging and I sympathise with the families of the deceased.
“We are a peace-loving, responsible people. Owo will always exemplifies the shinning example of a responsible society with a great reputation and amazing societal values.
“Our Leaders in the communities deserve so much accolades. It shows that we are all working harmoniously for a common goal of developing our communities.
“I am assuring you that our amiable Governor, His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is a workers’ friendly Governor, he has approved seventy thousand Naira as minimum wage. With this, you will know that his commitment to workers’ welfare is unrivalled”.
“Mr. Governor has also reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that youth inclusivity is factored in his government policies.
“Since his assumption of office in December 2023 after the unfortunate demise of our former Governor, he made sure that seventy percent of his appointees are youths so that they can channel their energy on productive ventures and thereby contribute to nation building.
He solicited their continued cooperation with the Governor and the President as things will come to normalcy soon, by God’s grace
“Once again, I appreciate everyone of you for allowing peace to reign in our Council Development Area.
I implore you to go about your normal business without intimidation. God bless you.

***Urges Immediately Dissolution Of Local Government Transition Committees in Kogi

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET) has applauded the landmark judgement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria granting financial autonomy to Local Government Councils in the country.

The network, comprising various civil society organizations in Kogi State, hailed the judgement in a statement issued by Chairperson of the Network, Amb. Idris Ozovehe Muraina in Lokoja.

He said that the affirmation of the direct payment of allocations to Local Governments and upholding the financial autonomy of the Councils in Nigeria must be appreciated by all well-meaning Nigerians.

The KONGONET Chairperson praised the Supreme Court’s decision, saying that it marks a significant step towards strengthening grassroots governance and promoting transparency and accountability in local administration.

The network called on Kogi State Government to dissolve the current Local Government Transition Committees and initiate mechanisms for democratic elections into the 21 Local Councils in the state.

Amb. Muraina, said that several Civil Society Organizations, including Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) and Initiative for Grassroot Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA), have expressed support for the immediate implementation of the Supreme Court judgement.

“KONGONET stands united with these organizations in advocating for the timely and transparent transition to elected Local Government leadership”, he added.

The Network congratulated Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on the recent affirmation of his mandate by the Appellate Court as the validly elected governor of the state.

“We acknowledge the significance of this legal victory and urge Your Excellency to seize this moment of validation to demonstrate your commitment to good governance and grassroots democracy.

“The time is ripe for the Kogi State Government to demonstrate its dedication to the principles of democracy, transparency, and accountability by expediting the process of conducting Councils’ elections.

“By adhering to the Supreme Court judgement and heeding the calls of Civil Society Organizations, the government can uphold the Rule of Law and empower local communities to participate actively in their own development.

“We urge the government to act swiftly and decisively in fulfilling its obligations to the people of Kogi State”, he said. (Ends)