By Kayode Animasaun/ Olufisoye Adenitan/ Isaac Afolabi

Security has been beefed up at the state headquarters of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, ODIEC, located along Oba Ile road in Akure, the state capital as the local government election is in progress in Ondo State.

Radio Nigeria Correspondent reports that personnel from the Nigeria Police Force were deployed at the ODIEC office to maintain peace and order.

It was gathered that the Security and Civil Defense Corps did not participate in the conduct of the election as the corps had not attended any of the security meetings called by the ODIEC before the election.

The security personnel manned strategic positions at the ODIEC state office with sniffer dogs.

They also mounted Roadblocks along the Oba Ile road in front of the office, stopping and searching vehicles.

The Oba Ile road has also been closed to vehicular movement just as only accredited individuals were allowed to pass.

Also, individuals were subjected to thorough screenings by men of the Nigerian Police.

Meanwhile, Ondo State Governor Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa who participated in the local government election in the state, described the election as a step towards enhancing grassroots development.

The Governor reiterated the commitment of his administration to the effective running of the local government system in the state in line with the provisions of the law.

He cast his vote at Polling Unit 5, Ugbo Ward 4, in Ilaje Local Government Area, commending the electoral process.

Speaking with journalists after casting his ballot, the Governor commended the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) for the seamless conduct of the poll. 

Governor Aiyedatiwa also thanked the people of the State for participating in the election.

Also, The Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami has expressed satisfaction with the high turnout of voters for the local government election in the state.

The deputy governor stated this when he voted at Igbooroko Unit 16 , ward 3 in Owo.

He expressed delight with the level of turnout, urged the people to maintain law and order after the process. 

Dr Adelami said local government administration was critical to good governance and democracy for growth and development 

Also speaking, the APC candidate for chairmanship in Owo, Mr Tope Omolayo appreciated president Bola Tinubu for allowing grassroots democracy to strive after 16 years of interrupted local government elections.

Speaking with Positive FM, the Electoral officers in Isaipen Ward 3 unit 8, Owo, Gbadamosi Owolabi and Mudasiru Adegbeha said the exercise has been peaceful and violent-free.

They expressed optimism that the election will bring dividends of democracy closer to the people at the grassroots.

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