A rowdy session almost marred the public hearing on the proposed creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) in Ondo state held in Akure, the state capital on Thursday.
Traditional rulers, other community leaders, as well as government officials have converged on the international culture and event center in Akure for the public hearing, which was aimed at brainstorming on the document which will finally give credence to the creation of the thirty-three local council development areas to complement the existing eighteen local government areas in Ondo state.
However, the event was disrupted as some individuals suspected to be supporters of Deji of Akure wanted to stop the Iralepo of Isikan, Oba Olugbenga Ojo, from making his presentation on the need to create Isikan LCDA in order to bring recognition to the people of Isikan community.
His presentation was disrupted for a few minutes before the speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Oladimeji Oladiji, waded in to ensure orderliness.
After the rowdy session, the monarch was allowed to make his presentation, saying the people of Isikan prayed that the initial nomenclature of Akure West be changed to Isikan LCDA, which comprises of ward 1 to 3 in the old Akure South LGA.
Reacting, the speaker warned that the state government would not hesitate to cancel the creation of any LCDA in any community or local government area where there is crisis or court injunctions.
He said, “As much as we know as a matter of fact that it is not unexpected of community leaders to express their grievances and concerns about the geographical composition, nomenclature and location of headquarters of the LCDAS, so much more, we do need to know that our agitation and the “push” for the realization of our interests or requests must be done with caution —devoid of violence.
“In whatever we do today, we should be mindful of the fact that we do them in the eyes of the global community.
“Thus, let me state without mincing words, that the Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu-led administration in Ondo State will not hesitate to cancel or suspend the creation of Local Council Development Areas in any community or Local Government areas where there is crisis or court injunctions.
“To be forewarned is to be forearmed, and to say anything less than the foregoing, is to distort reality.”
