Despite the Supreme Court judgement that granted financial autonomy to the 774 local government councils in the country, the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has directed the newly appointed transition committees to resume in the 18 local government areas and 33 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, of the state.
According to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, who gave the directive on behalf of the governor, the move became imperative in order to avoid creating a vacuum.
The state government, through the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Kayode Ajulo, had earlier justified the appointment, stressing that the governor acted within his constitutional powers.
Aiyedatiwa had a few days ago appointed 357 members to the transition committees, shortly after an Ondo State High Court nullified the creation of the 33 LCDAs, after which the apex court gave a judgement that fiscal allocation must only be made to councils with elected chairmen.
However, Takuro, who met with the transition committees, stated that several states, including Ondo, are affected by the Supreme Court’s verdict, emphasising the need for compliance with electoral laws.
The Commissioner maintained that, upon appointment by the governor, the transition committees became operational immediately without a necessary formal inauguration.
He added that implementing the Supreme Court judgement required procedural requirements as well as ongoing negotiations among governors at a scheduled meeting.