Court Rules 33 Ondo LCDAs Created by Akeredolu as Illegal

In a significant legal development, the Akure High Court in Ondo state has made a ruling invalidating the establishment of 33 new local council development areas (LCDAs) by the former governor.

Judge Adegboyega Adebusoye delivered this decision on Thursday, June 20.

Previously, the Ondo state House of Assembly had passed a bill for the creation of these additional councils on August 15, 2023, which was subsequently signed into law by the former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, in September 2023.

The court’s ruling declared the creation of these 33 LCDAs unconstitutional and therefore null and void.

Judge Adebusoye highlighted the illegality of a governor signing a law outside the state where they hold jurisdiction, which was a pivotal aspect of the judgment.

Tolu Babaleye, speaking on behalf of the 22 plaintiffs, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, describing it as a “judicial tsunami” that has effectively overturned the creation of the illegal local governments in Ondo state.

He emphasized that the state now reverts to its original structure of 18 local governments.

This legal development follows the passing of former Governor Akeredolu, who had overseen the controversial enactment of the additional councils, and the subsequent swearing-in of Lucky Aiyedatiwa as his successor.

The ruling marks a significant judicial intervention in the governance and administrative structure of Ondo state.