Ondo State Govt Moves to Enact Death Penalty for Kidnapping • Approves 6,000 Streetlights and Dual Carriageway Projects
By Trek Africa Newspaper
The Ondo State Government has announced a bold move to strengthen public safety by initiating legislation to impose the death penalty on individuals convicted of kidnapping. This was revealed at a press briefing following the State Executive Council meeting held on Friday and presided over by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa in Akure.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, addressed journalists and declared:
“Kidnapping and cultism have become major threats to safety and public order. Strengthening relevant legal frameworks would help deter such crimes and improve the overall security landscape.”
He said that the State Executive Council had deliberated on the matter and would be forwarding proposals to the House of Assembly for legislative action, including the introduction of capital punishment for convicted kidnappers.
Major Infrastructure Projects Get Council’s Nod
On infrastructure, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, revealed that two major dual carriageway projects were approved.
The first is a 24.75-kilometre dual carriageway from Ugbeyin Junction – Okitipupa Market – OAUSTECH – Ugbonla Junction – Igbokoda Jetty. It will include:
Dual 9.3-metre-wide lanes
1.2-metre median
Concrete-lined drains and walkways
3-metre utility space
Solar-powered streetlights along the median
Modern traffic lights for critical intersections
The second project is a 6.7-kilometre dual carriageway from Supare Junction – Akungba – Ikare Road in Akoko. It mirrors the specifications of the first and is designed to accommodate heavy vehicular traffic.
Additionally, the Council approved the installation of 6,000 standalone solar streetlights across the state—2,000 each in Ondo North, Ondo Central, and Ondo South Senatorial Districts. According to Engr. Olawoye,
“This is part of the state’s agenda to improve safety and public lighting infrastructure.”
Health Sector: New Strategy Against Lassa Fever
Special Adviser on Health, Professor Simidele Odimayo, disclosed the adoption of a research-based strategy to fight Lassa fever in the state. He said recent improvements in testing, referrals, and surveillance had already helped reduce cases.
Traditional Rulership & Chieftaincy Adjustments
On traditional institutions, Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Comrade Bola Taiwo, announced steps to select a new traditional ruler for Okeigbo in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government.
“Warrant chiefs have been appointed to start the process of selecting a new Olu-Oke of Okeigbo,” he said.
This comes after a court judgment nullified the appointment of the late Babajide Lawrence Oluwole.
The Council also approved the change of title of the Yasere of Ilepepe (Ugbo) to Yeyere of Oriretan in Ilaje Local Government, following appeals from local stakeholders.
Taiwo stressed that
“The Aiyedatiwa administration values traditional rulers as essential partners in governance, particularly because of their closeness to the grassroots.”
Four New Commissioner Nominees Sent to Assembly
In a separate press statement, Governor Aiyedatiwa announced the nomination of four additional commissioners to the State Executive Council.
In a letter to the Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, dated June 21, 2025, the governor stated:
“In exercise of the power conferred on me by Section 192 (1&2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I wish to forward to your esteemed office the following Commissioner nominees for your kind consideration and confirmation of the House of Assembly.”
The nominees are:
1. Pastor Bola Ademuwagun
2. Engr. Leye Akinola
3. Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka
4. Hon. Adesoji Afolabi
The Governor urged the Assembly to treat the request with urgency in the interest of the state.
