Insecurity: Ondo Government approves death penalty for kidnappers

The Ondo State Government has moved to strengthen its legal framework against kidnapping by approving a proposal for the death penalty as punishment for convicted offenders.

This decision was disclosed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, during a press briefing held after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Akure.

Ajulo described kidnapping and cultism as escalating threats to public order and safety. He noted that the proposed legal amendment would serve as a deterrent and reaffirm the government’s zero-tolerance stance against violent crimes.

According to him, a draft bill reflecting these resolutions will soon be transmitted to the Ondo State House of Assembly for legislative consideration and possible enactment.

In addition to legal reforms, the Council also approved several infrastructure development projects aimed at enhancing urban mobility and safety. Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Abiola Olawoye, announced that two major dual carriageway road projects have received Executive Council approval.

The first is a 24.75-kilometre road stretching from Ugbeyin Junction through Okitipupa Market, OAUSTECH and Ugbonla Junction to the Igbokoda Jetty.

Designed with modern specifications, the road will feature dual 9.3-metre carriageways, a 1.2-metre median, walkways, reinforced concrete drains and solar-powered street lighting. Its total corridor width is 28 metres, with a 40-metre right of way.

The second project will cover a 6.7-kilometre route from Supare Junction through Akungba to Ikare in Akoko. This project mirrors the specifications of the Okitipupa-Igbokoda route and is similarly designed to accommodate heavy vehicular traffic.

In furtherance of efforts on public safety initiatives, the Council also approved the installation of 6,000 standalone solar-powered streetlights across the three senatorial districts – 2,000 per district to improve night-time visibility and security.

In the health sector, the Special Adviser on Health, Professor Simidele Odimayo, announced that the state has adopted a new research-driven approach to combating Lassa fever.

He noted that improved diagnostic efforts, surveillance and public health response systems have contributed to early detection and containment of reported cases.

On matters relating to traditional institutions, Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Bola Taiwo, disclosed that warrant chiefs have been appointed to commence the selection process for a new Olu-Oke of Okeigbo in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area.

This follows a judicial ruling which nullified the appointment of the late Oba Babajide Lawrence Oluwole.

The Council ratified a request to change the title of the Yasere of Ilepepe (Ugbo) chieftaincy to Yeyere of Oriretan in Ilaje Local Government Area, in response to concerns raised by traditional stakeholders.

Comrade Taiwo reaffirmed that the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa holds traditional rulers in high regard, considering them vital partners in grassroots development and local governance.