By Correspondent in Ado-Ekiti.
The Ekiti State government has created additional Local Council Development Area for the state, bringing the total number of LCDA to 20.
The chairman, Local Council Development Areas Implementation Committee, Mr Wale Fapounda, in a statement said the development was sequel to consultations with stakeholders in the various communities, especially those in Ikole West LCDA, regarding the citing of the local government headquarters.
Faoounda said:Recall that on Friday, August 6, 2021, H.E. Governor Kayode Fayemi, CON, assented to the Creation of Additional Local Government Areas in Ekiti State (Second Amendment) Law, 2021.
“It was clarified that the additional 19 LCDA created by this Law are inchoate and shall for the time being operate as such until when the National Assembly passes an Act recognizing them as local governments areas as provided for under Section 8 (5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“Further, this committee, acting on behalf of the Government of Ekiti State, has been in consultations with stakeholders in the various communities, especially those in Ikole West LCDA, regarding the citing of the local government headquarters.
“Accordingly, further to extensive consultations, the following positions have been approved by H.E. Governor Kayode Fayemi to take immediate effect:
3.1. Creation of an autonomous Area Council for the seven Oreniwa communities, with temporary headquarters at Asin-Ekiti (where they currently have structures), with permanent Headquarters later at Usin-Ekiti, based on the unanimous decision of the affected communities.
3.2. Appointment by government of a Sole Administrator or Head of Area Council.
“We would like to remind all stakeholders that, while the Government of Ekiti State would leave no stone unturned in ensuring the successful take-off and sustenance of the newly created LCDA, the support, cooperation, and ownership of all stakeholders in the various communities remain crucial to achieving this objective.
“It could be recalled that traditional rulers of the seven communities led their subjects on a peaceful protest to express dissatisfaction to locate the headquarters in Ijesa-Isu-Ekiti, describing the development as injustice and unfair.”
The communities also in their agitations sought divine intervention over the siting of the headquarters of the LCDA in Ijesa Isu-Ekiti.
In habitants of the communities converged on oreniwa market square in Isaba-Ekiti to offer prayers to God for divine help.
Responding on behalf of the seven communities, Dr Lanre Ayejuyo, the spokesperson appreciated Governor Kayode Fayemi for living up to his promise to address their agitations.
“I write to express our acceptance on behalf of the 7 communities on the creation of Autonomous Area Council today, Dec. 1, 2021. The credence goes to His Excellency Governor Kayode Fayemi and his Executive Council.
“It’s a thing of joy to praise the winning team of d 7 Oreniwa communities, and the LCDA implemention committee for listening to their plea and addressed their fear,” he said.
He applauded the committee for trekking the path of Justice.
