The Ondo state government has said it is waiting to obtain the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgement on the local government’s autonomy from the apex court before determining its next line of action.

Olukoyede Ajulo, the attorney-general of Ondo state and commissioner for justice, disclosed this on Wednesday in a statement issued in Akure, the state capital.

“This judgment, which has garnered significant public interest, is indeed a matter of great importance to our legal system and the country as a whole.

“It is with utmost diligence and dedication that we have been actively pursuing the Certified True Copy of the judgement and the enrolled Order from the Supreme Court.

“Despite the challenges faced in obtaining these documents, I wish to assure the public that we are working tirelessly to secure the necessary materials,” he said in the copy of the statement obtained by Peoples Gazette in Akure.

He explained that the Supreme Court’s decision in the LG autonomy case was not unanimous, with a split judgement of five against two.

Mr Ajulo stated that the majority of the justices had disagreed on the reliefs sought by the federal government, adding that “this complexity underscores the need for a careful and comprehensive analysis of the judgement.”

Mr Ajulo noted that the current administration was committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice was served.

He added that the government efforts are focused on understanding the “intricacies of the judgement and determining the appropriate course of action for its implementation” while also ensuring that the administrative apparatus of the LG is appropriately manned with suitable personnel throughout the transitional phase.

“I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the steadfast and industrious Justices of the Supreme Court, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Attorneys General of the 36 States of the Federation for their dedication and professionalism in handling this complex matter.

“Their commitment to justice and the rule of law is commendable and sets a high standard for the entire legal community. I urge the public to remain patient as we navigate through this process with diligence and transparency.

“Rest assured that the Government of Ondo State, under the able leadership of His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, is dedicated to upholding the principles of justice and will carefully examine the judgement and promptly set the necessary mechanisms in motion, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to fully implementing the rule of law in all our endeavours,” Mr Ajulo further said.

The Gazette reports that the Supreme Court verdict had given autonomy to the LGs with the view of also getting their allocations directly from the federal government.

In Ondo, the judgement came shortly after the governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, approved the setting up of a seven-member transition committee to man the LGAs and newly created LCDAs in the state.