In a bid to enhance governance, promote economic growth, and protect property rights, Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has signed four transformative executive orders.
The orders focus on regulatory transparency, agribusiness reforms, improved physical planning, and the prohibition of land grabbing.
Speaking on the development, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, described the executive orders as monumental.
“These executive orders reflect a commitment to progressive governance by Governor Aiyedatiwa that prioritizes economic development, social equity, and environmental sustainability. Their successful implementation can lead to a more prosperous, transparent, and equitable society,” he said.
The first order mandates select Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to enhance transparency by publishing key information, including fees, procedures, and grievance redress mechanisms, on official state websites. MDAs such as the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Lands and Housing are required to maintain active communication channels during working hours to ensure accessibility.
The second order introduces the Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-Intensive Agricultural Investments (FRILIA).
This framework fosters collaboration between private investors and local communities, ensuring land acquisition and resettlement practices adhere to international best practices. Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the importance of agribusiness in driving sustainable economic growth in Ondo State.
Under the third order, approvals for construction projects will now be granted in phases, with mandatory certifications at each stage to ensure compliance with engineering and safety standards. Variations to approved designs will require official permits, aiming to create a safer and more organized urban landscape.
The fourth order targets illegal land grabbing activities, ensuring the protection of property rights across the state. A newly established Task Force will enforce the order, addressing forceful entry, fraudulent transactions, and violent disputes over land ownership.
In a statement by Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the measures were described as a “comprehensive effort to create an enabling environment for businesses, secure property rights, and enhance governance structures in the state.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s bold reforms mark a significant step toward a more equitable and prosperous Ondo State.
