Mahin leaders back Tinubu, Aiyedatiwa, demand LCDAs, Eba Island protection

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— Appeal to Aiyedatiwa to adequately fund OSOPADEC

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By Dayo Johnson, Akure

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Traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders in Mahin Land, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, have reaffirmed their support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, while demanding greater administrative inclusion, infrastructure development and protection of the kingdom’s territory.

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The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Pan-Mahin Land Leaders’ Summit held at Asaron Hall, Ode-Mahin.

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The summit was chaired by Oba Segun Williams Akinyomi, the Amapetu and Paramount Ruler of Mahin Land, and attended by Olojas, Chiefs, Baales and other community representatives.

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The communiqué was signed by Hon. Prince Oluwole Omowole, Chairman; Hon. Timilehin Olowofoyeku, Secretary; and Mr Peter Tawose, Member.

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The leaders declared their “unalloyed loyalty” to President Tinubu and Governor Aiyedatiwa and endorsed the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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They commended ongoing and planned projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which is expected to traverse Ilajeland, describing it as a key driver of economic growth and regional connectivity.

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A major resolution of the summit was an appeal to Governor Aiyedatiwa to create a dedicated Local Council Development Area (LCDA) for Mahin wards.

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The leaders said the proposed LCDA would ensure equitable access to governance, infrastructure and development, particularly as existing LCDAs serve Ugbo wards.

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“A dedicated LCDA will strengthen grassroots governance and provide a more effective structure for addressing our developmental needs,” the summit stated.

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Seven committees were also approved to drive the implementation of the summit’s resolutions. They are the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee; Mahin Land Development Fund Committee; Eba Island Committee; Boundary and Land Matters Committee; Skills and Professional Database Committee; Investment and Economic Development Committee; and Political/Government Engagement Committee.

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The summit further resolved that Mahin political appointees should present periodic stewardship reports, while political actors should build alliances for the benefit of the kingdom.

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On Eba Island in Atijere, the leaders declared it an “indelible and non-negotiable territory” of Mahin Land.

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They urged the state government to deploy security personnel and infrastructure to protect residents and economic activities in the area.

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The leaders also called on the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) to prioritise the completion of the Aboto-Atijere Road, while appealing to the state government to adequately fund the commission.

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The summit emphasised unity among Obas, Olojas, Chiefs and Baales as essential to sustainable development in Mahin Land.

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It also established the Pan-Mahin Land Leaders’ Summit as a permanent consultative organ to monitor development, security and economic growth in the kingdom.

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