HOURS after the Oyo House of Assembly warned that no unconfirmed person should parade himself as Caretaker Chairman in the state, 54 confirmed Chairmen received their letters of appointment on Wednesday.
The 54 persons are those from a total of 55 confirmed by the Assembly with the exclusion of that of Lagelu West LCDA owing to controversies over whom among Akeem Aransi or Abiodun Oladeji is Chairman.
Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Bimbo Kolade, who did the official presentation of letters of appointment, said state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, swore in 54 Chairmen on April 7, 2017.
Kolade explained that the nomination of Abiodun Oladeji as Chairman, Lagelu West LCDA had been forwarded to the House of Assembly for confirmation.
Pending the appointment of their Chairmen, Kolade stated that Head of local administration will continue to take charge in Lagelu West LCDA, Asabari LCDA and Irepo LG, among other 11 councils in Oriire and Oyo zone.
“The House of Assembly did not compel us to do this. The House cleared 55 people but 54 were sworn in and we have distributed letters of appointment to the 54 persons that were sworn in by Governor Abiola Ajimobi, and that is government’s position.”
“The governor himself mentioned that there some changes he made on the day of swearing in and the House of Assembly made it known on Tuesday that the executive arm has sent new names that government wants screened. So there is no way that His Excellency would have sworn in 55 people on that day. 54 were sworn in and it is those persons that have been given certificates.”
“Abiodun Oladeji has been presented to the House of Assembly and we expect that the Assembly will do diligence to the presentation by the executive and whenever the Assembly is ready, he will be sworn in.”
“The executive and the House of Assembly have been enjoying a robust relationship and we believe the issue of Caretaker membership will not cause any problem between the two arms.”
“The head of local administration in Lagelu LG, West LCDA, Asabari LCDA and other 11 local government areas with litigation are to be in charge,” Kolade said.
He reiterated the need for the Chairmen to serve diligently and kick off governance immediately.
Based on recommendations of the caretaker chairmen, other members of caretaker committees are to emerge.
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