Abimbola Abatta, Osogbo
Modakeke community in Osun State has applauded the state governor, Gboyega Oyetola for bringing governance to their doorstep.
The members of the community equally 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.
The Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Moses Oyediran who spoke on behalf of the community made this known during a rally held at Modakeke Civic Center.
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, who said the entire people of Modakeke could not wait to start enjoying the benefits of a full fledged local government administration, emphasised that granting the request would give 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 governance,” 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 minds of the people.
He, however, urged the government to consider the community for more value added benefits which would make life better the people.
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