By John Odunayo
Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, has said that appointment of transition committees for local governments and local council development areas in the state is within the powers of the governor.
Ajulo said, “Appointment of Transition Committees is a lawful exercise of the Governor’s constitutional powers. The Committees are intended to ensure seamless transition and continuity of government business in the affected areas”.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had on Wednesday appointed transition committees for the 18 LGs and 33 LCDAs in the state.
The judgment of an Ondo State High Court on 20th June, 2024, declared the Local Government Creation Law 2023, which brought about the LCDAs, unconstitutional.
Also, the Supreme Court in a judgment on Thursday gave financial autonomy to the LGs and said governors lacked powers to appoint leadership for LGs.
But in a statement reacting to criticisms to the governor’s appointment of the transition committees and insinuations that it was contempt of court judgment, Ajulo said, “The judgment of Hon Justice A.O Adebusuoye on 20th June, 2024, only declared the Local Government Creation Law 2023 unconstitutional, but did not invalidate the executive and administrative powers of the Governor of Ondo State to take steps that will ensure effective and good governance of any part of the State.
“The legality of the LCDAs is currently the subject of ongoing legal proceedings, which are presently under appeal. The court has taken notice of this appeal. Therefore, the Governor’s appointment of Transition Committees is not in contempt of the court’s judgment, but rather a prudent action to ensure that the business of government continues uninterrupted in the affected areas”.
The AG called on the opposition “to respect the rule of law and allow the legal process to run its full course, rather than resorting to inflammatory rhetoric. The Ondo State Government remains committed to upholding the laws of the land and ensuring good governance for all citizens”.
