Owo North West LCDA Caretaker Committee appointment: An arrant nonsense and political shenanigan
By Bode Adenigbo, FCA
Just yesterday, the Ondo State House Assembly confirmed the appointment of interim management committee chairmen and vice chairmen for the 18 local government areas and 33 Local Council Development Areas that were even created in September 2023 with weak adherence to the core principles that guide municipal creation, as evidenced by criticisms and protests that characterized the LCDA creation.
In the first instance, the headquarters of Owo North West LCDA cited in Emure-Ile instead of Uso is an aberration, affront and abuse of process and municipal creation objective. Emure-Ile is a 5-minute drive from Owo Local Government Secretariat and a 2-minute drive from Owo town. Where then is the principle that underpins the bringing of government closer to the people when the people of Uso town and villages would still need to travel the distance as it almost was hitherto? Even beyond the geographical factor, it is not contestable that Uso has more population, more economic activities, more revenue-generating power and potential. However, some of us are not surprised as we understand the socio-cultural, political and strategic intent of this heinous act by the Owo people. But one day, the table will turn.
As if the bleeding and damage weren’t enough, Barr. Alaba Eniola Ajipe was appointed Chairman and Hon Omosuwa Maxwell as Vice Chairman of the LCDA. One would have rightly thought that the reverse should have been the case. But let me explain the injustice and their shenanigans here. Barr. Alaba Ajipe is a greenhorn in local government administration while Hon. Omosuwa Maxwell just left in August 2023 as the elected vice chairman of Owo Local Government Area, after the expiration of his 3-year tenure. He had an untainted and meritorious three years of experience in local government administration. Methinks he would have been the Caretaker Chairman so as to bring his local government administrative experience and leadership to the fore whilst fostering rapid development of the LCDA as a result.
It is therefore my plea that Hon Omosuwa Maxwell reject this offer and act honourably. This will make his name written in the sand of time and a sacrifice to chart a pathway for Uso rebirth. The progress and development of Uso is knotty under Owo, Owo Local Government, or Owo North west LCDA. The cause of this is known. Uso is the only town with different cultural affiliations from Owo, hence viewed and treated as an outcast. Is it not long overdue for Uso to annex to where it will be treated rightly and justly?
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