The Akoko Development Group has resolved to return to court over the controversial Local Council Development Areas in Ondo State.
The group, in a communiqué issued after its 228th meeting held in Lagos on March 29, 2026, said the decision became necessary following what it described as the state government’s continued defiance of the rule of law.
It warned that there was a limit to impunity in governance, particularly as it affects the Akoko axis of the state.
The ADG also raised concerns over worsening insecurity and infrastructural decay across the four local government areas in Akokoland, noting that residents had become increasingly vulnerable to banditry and kidnapping.
The group recalled that an Ondo State High Court, presided over by Justice Adegboyega Adebusoye, on June 20, 2024, nullified the creation of 33 LCDAs established under a 2023 law signed by the late former governor, .
According to the ruling, the councils were declared unconstitutional for failing to comply with Sections 7 and 8 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), with the court restraining the government from taking further actions on them.
The ADG stated that stakeholders from the four Akoko local governments had made several attempts to engage Aiyedatiwa, urging compliance with the court judgment.
It added that the governor had promised to address the matter after the December 2024 governorship election, which he later won, but had yet to fulfil the pledge.
The group alleged that although the state government filed a notice of appeal, it had not pursued it diligently, describing the move as a ploy to delay justice while continuing activities on the nullified councils.
It listed such actions to include the funding of the LCDAs with public funds, appointment of chairmen and councillors, presentation of the structures to a National Assembly committee, and provision of official vehicles to officials of the councils.
The communiqué described the actions as illegal and a direct affront to the Constitution, stressing that no individual is above the law.
It further described the development as a disregard for the judiciary and the people of Akoko.
Consequently, the group said it would seek fresh court orders compelling the governor to comply with his oath of office and abide by the earlier judgment.
It added that the governor, alongside the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, had been formally notified of the intended legal action.
The communiqué was signed by the group’s President, Remi Omosowon.
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