The Ondo State House of Assembly has passed a bill to create 33 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDA).
The bill’s passage into law follows its successful third reading at yesterday’s plenary.
The creation of the new LCDAs, according to the state assembly, is to enhance governance, ensure effective service delivery, and promote grassroots development in the state.
The assembly said the new LCDAs will coexist alongside the existing 18 local government areas in the state.
This platform understands that with the bill’s passage into law, the number of councils in the state climbs to 51.
The bill was subsequently referred to the Committee of the Whole House for further deliberation
Presenting the committee’s report, the Deputy Speaker, Abayomi Akinruntan, during plenary, said the state Surveyor General’s office would play a crucial role in the boundary demarcation process, ensuring that the newly created LCDAs align with existing geographical and cultural factors.
He laid emphasis on the cultural homogeneity of the residents when demarcating the new LCDAs.
He noted that the approach will help to prevent conflicts and promote harmonious coexistence among the people.
Majority Leader of the House, Ogunmolasuyi Oluwole, then moved a motion for the bill’s passage into law which Ogunlana Christopher seconded.
During the plenary, the Speaker of the Ondo Assembly, Oladiji Olamide, applauded the governor for creating the new LCDAs.
He was optimistic that all noticeable observations and recommendations by the House would be effected as appropriate.
While appealing to the people of Ondo state to cohabit in peace despite the new development, the speaker submitted that the people should keep hope alive and avoid acts that can create conflict.
“Let me appeal to the good people of Ondo State to please keep their hope alive as current position of the House is not an end in itself but a means to a positive end, ” he added.
