Blessing Akorowosi, Osogbo
Modakeke community in Osun State has demanded upgrade of its Area Office to a full local government area.
The Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Moses Oyediran who spoke on behalf of the community appealed to the government at both the federal and state levels to upgrade the Area Council because of the growing population and size of the community.
This was made known during an edition of Governor’s Family Meeting organized by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Civic Engagement, and held at Modakeke Civic Center, Modakeke, Area Office.
It will be recalled that Ife East Local Government Area Office, Modakeke was created as a child of necessity following the recommendation of Chief Olabode George committee set up by the erstwhile president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to broker peace between the people of Ile-Ife and Modakeke Communities. The Area Office formally took off on 1st April, 2002 and made up of what is historically known and addressed as Modakeke Akoraye.
According to obtainable fact, Modakeke has over 100,000 population which is even more than that of some communities with full fledged local government system in the federation.
The monarch said the entire people of Modakeke could not wait to start enjoying the benefits of a full fledged local government administration, emphasising that granting the request would amount to giving succour to the long term yearnings of the people.
“This is not unconnected to the fact that, Modakeke with large population of people is having short fall in political representation because it is just an Area Office. It is also at disadvantage in the area of grassroot governace”, he added.
The traditional ruler while appraising Oyetola’s civic engagement drive, noted that the governor has brought governance to their doorstep, saying such a good gesture would continue to linger in the mind of the people.
He further commended the governor for all that he had done, not only for his community, but the state at large, noting that the people would continue to have reasons to rally round their support for the progressive government in the state.
He however, urged the government to consider the community for more value added benefits which would make life better the people.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser on Science and Innovation, Hon. Kareem Ismail, commended the people of Modakeke for their unwavering support to the administration of Oyetola, saying the government would stop at nothing in ensuring better life for all.
In his remarks, the representative of the governor, Special Adviser on Civic Engagement to the governor, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, said the commitment of Oyetola administration to ensuring inclusive and participatory governance necessitated the program.
“Oyetola has resolved to ingrain best standard of democratic practice in the state governance where people’s demands and opinions would serve as an input mechanism in the policy formulation”, he said.
Oyintiloye, then implored the people to continue lending their support for Oyetola’s administration, assuring them that their demands would be given adequate consideration
