In a decisive move, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has wielded the executive pen to suspend all local government Caretaker Committees, setting the stage for a swift transition in governance. The circular, dated January 2, 2024, emanated from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, directing Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGAs) across Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to promptly assume acting capacities as the heads of their respective regions.
Titled “INDEFINITE SUSPENSION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF CARETAKER COMMITTEES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND LOCAL COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT AREAS IN ONDO STATE,” the circular addresses pressing concerns regarding the continued presence of certain individuals in roles that had been previously suspended by a court of competent jurisdiction.
“It has come to the notice of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs that despite the suspension of all recently appointed Caretaker Committee members for LGAs and LCDAs in the State by a Court of competent jurisdiction, some individuals in these former positions are still parading themselves in those posts,” the circular stated.
The decision to suspend the Caretaker Committees stems from a legal backdrop, with a court having ruled on the matter. Governor Aiyedatiwa, in his nascent tenure following the untimely demise of the immediate-past Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, underscores the urgency of addressing these governance concerns promptly and efficiently.
The directive puts HOLGAs in the spotlight, tasking them with the responsibility of not only assuming acting capacities but also ensuring the seamless functioning of local governance during this transitional phase. The circular outlines a clear roadmap for the HOLGAs, emphasizing the need for them to take charge until all legal intricacies surrounding the suspension are resolved.
Furthermore, HOLGAs are entrusted with the task of promptly retrieving all assets and properties previously under the purview of the Caretaker Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen, and other committee members. The directive specifies that these assets are to be safely kept within their respective LGAs and LCDAs.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administrative decisiveness sets the tone for his governance style, reflecting a commitment to order, legality, and a swift response to emerging challenges. As the state adjusts to this abrupt shift in local government administration, the circular concludes with an appeal for HOLGAs to treat the matter with the urgency it deserves, highlighting the paramount importance of a smooth and lawful transition in the local governance landscape.
