THISDAYonline

Two new chairmen were yesterday sworn-in for Atiba and Atisbo local governments of Oyo State to replace those recently removed from office by the state government.

The former chairmen, Deagbo Adejumobi and Mr. A.B. Bakare for Atibo and Atiba councils respectively were relieved of their appointments last week for alleged gross misconduct in office.

Adejumobi was said to have "showed enough bias" during the Irawo community riot which claimed many lives and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.

Also Bakare was alleged to have " shown disrespect to a prominent traditional ruler in Atiba local government with its headquarters in Oyo.

Swearing-in the new council bosses, Governor Rashidi Ladoja said the former chairman were removed in order to demonstrate the state government's transparency in matters of the state.

Said he: "We want to emphazise our belief that this is a people's government and that we are out to serve, the people as their servant and not their bosses. We want to show that we care for the wishes of the people and we will continue to respect them."

Citing the recent commual clash in Irawo, Ladoja said it would not be in the interest of justice to allow the former council chairmen to stay in office while the panel of inquiry was doing its duty.

The governor also reiterated the determination of the government to conduct the council election in the state on March 27, 2004.

"I have been reliably informed by the state electoral body that everything has been put in place to conduct a free and fair election in the state,"Ladoja said. He, however, said new councils created by former Governor Lam Adesina would not be recognised for the elections.