The Ondo State Government has approved the death penalty for convicted kidnappers as part of sweeping new measures to address rising insecurity and enhance public safety.
The state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, announced the development during a press briefing following the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Akure.
Mr Ajulo said the Council resolved to commence the process of amending existing laws on kidnapping to prescribe capital punishment for offenders.
He stressed that kidnapping and cultism had become serious threats to public order, and a stronger legal framework was needed to deter such crimes.
He added that proposals would be forwarded to the Ondo State House of Assembly for necessary legislative action.
In a related development, the Council also approved the construction of two major dual carriageway roads and the installation of 6,000 solar-powered streetlights across the three senatorial districts of the state.
Special Adviser to the governor on infrastructure, lands, and housing, Abiola Olawoye, said the road projects include a 24.75-kilometre dual carriageway from Ugbeyin Junction through Okitipupa Market, OAUSTECH, and Ugbonla Junction to Igbokoda Jetty.
The second project is a 6.7-kilometre dual carriageway connecting Supare Junction to Akungba-Ikare Road in Akoko.
Both roads will feature 9.3-metre wide dual carriageways, 1.2-metre medians, solar streetlights, reinforced concrete drains, walkways, utility corridors, and modern traffic control systems.
They are also designed to withstand heavy vehicular movement.
Mr Olawoye also disclosed that 2,000 standalone solar streetlights would be installed in each of the state’s three senatorial districts—Ondo North, Ondo Central, and Ondo South—as part of efforts to improve lighting and safety at night.
In the health sector, Special Adviser to the governor on health, Professor Simidele Odimayo, revealed that the government had adopted a new research-based approach to combat Lassa fever.
He said the strategy had already yielded results in testing, referrals, and surveillance.
Meanwhile, in the area of traditional institutions, Special Adviser on union matters and special duties, Bola Taiwo, announced the appointment of warrant chiefs to begin the process of selecting a new Olu-Oke of Okeigbo in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area.
This followed a court ruling that nullified the appointment of the late Babajide Lawrence Oluwole prior to his death.
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The Council also approved a change in the title of the Yasere of Ilepete (Ugbo) chieftaincy to Yasere of Oriretan in Ilaje Local Government Area, following concerns raised by stakeholders.
Mr Taiwo reaffirmed Mr Aiyedatiwa administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions, describing them as vital to grassroots governance and community development.
