Ondo Govt Faces Legal Backlash Over Bid To Legitimize 33 Nullified LCDAs

The Ondo State Government’s audacious move to secure constitutional recognition for 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), previously struck down by the Ondo State High Court, has ignited fresh controversy.

In a press briefing held at the offices of Tolu Babaleye & Co in Akure on July 21, 2025, the law firm that successfully challenged the LCDAs’ creation lambasted the state’s attempt to bypass the court’s ruling by lobbying members of the National Assembly for their inclusion in Nigeria’s Constitution.

The firm representing the aggrieved residents of Akoko land, underscored the High Court’s landmark judgment that declared the creation of the 33 LCDAs illegal, null, and void.

The court had ruled that the process was lopsided, disproportionately marginalizing communities, particularly in Akoko land, in favour of others.

Beckiston Ataine Esq., speaking for the firm, described the LCDAs as “legally nonexistent, as dead as fried plantains,” emphasizing that the state’s continued recognition of these entities flouts the rule of law.

The legal battle began when Akoko land residents, feeling shortchanged by the uneven distribution of the LCDAs, sought redress in court. Their victory at the High Court was hailed as a triumph for justice and equity.

However, the state government’s response has been less than forthcoming. Although it filed an appeal against the judgment, no substantial progress has been made.

The law firm revealed that the government failed to submit its brief of argument after reluctantly transmitting appeal records out of time, suggesting the appeal was merely a ploy to delay the enforcement of the court’s decision.

Further compounding the issue, the state government applied for a stay of execution, a move Ataine dismissed as futile since declarative judgments, like the one nullifying the LCDAs, cannot be stayed under Nigerian law.

“The government’s actions show a blatant disregard for the judiciary,” Ataine stated, expressing dismay that the state has continued to treat the LCDAs as legitimate entities, allocating resources and administrative functions to them despite their nullification.

The firm stated that the press briefing was prompted by reports that the government recently engaged National Assembly members from the state, who were in Akure for discussions on constitutional amendments, to push for the recognition of the 33 LCDAs.

This move has been met with fierce resistance from the law firm and its clients, who see it as an attempt to undermine the judiciary and perpetuate the marginalization of certain communities.

“We are not here to clash with the government but to ensure justice prevails,” Ataine clarified.

He urged the people of Akoko to remain peaceful while the firm takes steps to formally advise the National Assembly on the legal status of the LCDAs.

“The judgment of the Ondo State High Court remains sacrosanct, and we call on the state government to respect it in the interest of harmony and fairness,” he added.

The creation of the LCDAs was initially touted as a means to bring development closer to the grassroots, but critics, including Akoko residents, argued that the process favoured certain regions, leaving others underserved.

The High Court’s ruling was seen as a corrective measure, but the government’s defiance threatens to reignite communal discontent..