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By Tracy Moses
The Ondo State Government has initiated steps to impose the death penalty for individuals convicted of kidnapping.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa made this known during a press briefing held after a State Executive Council meeting on Saturday. This development was confirmed in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan.
He explained that the process to amend and replace existing anti-kidnapping laws has officially commenced.
Also speaking at the briefing, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, revealed that the Council deliberated extensively on the state’s security challenges and resolved to strengthen legal provisions against kidnapping and cult-related crimes.
Ajulo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, stressed that kidnapping and cultism now pose serious risks to peace and safety within the state. He added that reforming relevant laws is a critical step toward curbing these criminal activities.
He further disclosed that legislative proposals aimed at introducing the death sentence for kidnappers will soon be submitted to the Ondo State House of Assembly for consideration and approval.
On the development front, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure and grassroots development throughout the state.
As part of this commitment, the State Executive Council approved the construction of two key dual carriageway road projects.
The first project will cover a 24.75-kilometre stretch from Ugbeyin Junction to Okitipupa Market, passing through OAUSTECH, Ugbonla Junction, and ending at the Igbokoda Jetty.
According to Engr. Abiola Olawoye, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing, the road will include two 9.3-metre wide lanes, a 1.2-metre central median, concrete drains, walkways, asphaltic shoulders in rural sections, a 3-metre utility corridor, and solar-powered lighting along the median.
He noted that the entire route will have a 28-metre road width and a total right-of-way spanning 40 metres. The road will also feature modern traffic light systems and be built with reinforced pavement to support heavy-duty traffic.
The second road project is a 6.7-kilometre dual carriageway linking Supare Junction to Akungba and Ikare Road in the Akoko area. This project mirrors the specifications of the first, with similar lane widths, medians, drainage systems, solar-powered lights, and traffic management installations.
Additionally, the Executive Council approved the installation of 6,000 independent solar-powered streetlights, distributed equally across Ondo State’s three senatorial districts, 2,000 each in Ondo North, Ondo Central, and Ondo South. Engr. Olawoye explained that this initiative is part of the government’s plan to enhance public safety and street lighting infrastructure.
In the health sector, Professor Simidele Odimayo, Special Adviser on Health, announced that a research-oriented strategy has been adopted to eliminate Lassa fever in the state.
On traditional leadership matters, Comrade Bola Taiwo, Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, reported that warrant chiefs have been appointed to begin the process of selecting a new Olu-Oke of Okeigbo in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area. This follows a court ruling that invalidated the appointment of the late Babajide Lawrence Oluwole before his passing.
The Council also approved a request to change the title of the Yasere of Ilepepe (Ugbo) to the Yeyere of Oriretan in Ilaje Local Government Area, following input from community leaders.
Comrade Taiwo reiterated the Aiyedatiwa administration’s respect for traditional rulers, recognizing them as vital partners in governance, especially at the grassroots level.