Owo Is One Association, a leading development and advocacy group of the people of Owo and Ose Local Government Areas of Ondo State, has called on Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyetidawa to look into some issues bordering on the development of the two local governments in a bid to restore balance and give the people of the areas the sense of belonging for them to reap the dividends of democracy from his government.
In a letter jointly signed by the National Co-ordinator, Chief Akinboro Aruwajoye, Ogbeni Oja of Owo of Owo kingdom and Olatunbosun Oladimeji, the Director of Publications and addressed to the Governor, the Owo is One Association draws the attention of Aiyedatiwa “to some critical projects and issues in Owo and Ose local governments that should be completed as previously scheduled bearing in mind the administration’s avowed policy of not leaving any project abandoned or uncompleted.
“We are sure this step will show and shine brightly on your shield of accolades as the anchorman of the last leg of the relay race for the administration.”
These projects include the Owo township roads, upgrading the Polytechnic to a University, resolving the crisis of outstanding salary areas in the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic.
The Owo is One Association also wants the Governor to take a second look at the political appointments in Ondo North Senatorial District which has deprived Owo and Ose local governments.
“For fairness and equity, political representation should ordinarily be shared between the two blocs,” the association emphasised in the letter to Governor Aiyetidawa.
“It is a known fact that every appointment so far has gone to Akokos including the Ministerial, Presidential Adviser, Special Assistants, as well as the position of Federal Commissioner etc.
“As it is now, it seems Owo and Ose Local government areas have been left to hold the short end of the stick. We are tempted to ask, “Where is the voice and the hope of the good people of Owo?” We shall be glad if you will be kind enough to come to our rescue.”
On the issue of security, the Owo is One Association wants the Governor to build on the legacy left behind by the former Governor, the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu through the establishment of the zonal/regional and state security network service system, Amotekun Security Network.
“There is no doubt, the Amotekun Security network is a work in progress. But we are confident that, with you in office, it remains in good hands.
“With the current development, the Ose Local government Area requires urgent attention because the criminals seem to have intensified their nefarious activities in kidnapping, raping, destroying farm crops, produce and farmland.”
The deplorable condition of the interstate road connecting Owo – Ifon – Benin City is another area the association is pleading with the Governor to speedily work on.
“The road, which also passes through some communities within the state, has been declared a danger zone.
“This is because criminal herdsmen and their co-travellers like terrorists, kidnappers and armed robbers now take advantage of the parlous state of the road to indulge in terrorising, kidnapping, stealing, killing and harassing innocent travellers on this major road linking Lagos, Akure, Abuja, Owo, Ifon and Benin.”