Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has sworn-in the newly elected chairmen and vice-chairmen for the thirty-three Local Government Areas of the state.
The Chief Judge of the state, Justice Iyabo Yerima, administered the oath of office on the newly elected council bosses in a ceremony held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
At the ceremony, Governor Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, charged the new council bosses to replicate the vision of his administration at their various local government areas, tasking them to focus on people-oriented programmes and policies aimed at improving the lives of the people.
Makinde, who affirmed that the electoral processes that led to the emergence of the chairmen was credible, free and fair, urged them to firmly uphold democratic values, and rule of law in their various councils, such that their tenures would be marked by unprecedented grassroot development.
The governor advised the newly inaugurated council chairmen to work assiduously in building their respective councils.
‘Transparency and fairness’
Earlier in his address of welcome, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Segun Olayiwola, stated that the just concluded local government election affirmed the commitment of the present administration in Oyo State to fairness, transparency and accountability.
The commissioner appreciated Governor Makinde for his unwavering commitment and vision to make the state stand out among the comity of nations.
Olayiwola urged the newly sworn-in chairmen and vice-chairmen to work hand in hand with their executives, utilising their expertise and fostering collaboration to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach all the nooks and crannies of their respective local government areas.
He said: “The just concluded local government election marked a significant point in our democratic journey, thus affirming our commitment to fairness, transparency and above all, accountability. It is also a testimonial for this administration’s commitment to good governance and adherence to the rule of law.
“It is the dawn of a new chapter. You are urged to work assiduously with unwavering commitment to building a more virile local government devoid of acrimony or rancor towards building a better future for all citizens of the Pacesetter State,” the commissioner stated.
Emmanuel Ukoh
