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By Sunday Ani
Ondo Redemption Front (ORF) has expressed concern over what it described as a continued decline in security and transparency in Ondo State under the leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Speaking at a press conference, chairman of the group, Dr. Ayodeji Ologun; co-chairman, Mogbojuri Kayode and Secretary, Adedotun Ajulo, said their latest review, coming weeks after its February report, showed that security had not improved but instead worsened.
ORF, which is a civic and accountability advocacy platform, said its earlier warning and recommendations were ignored, while the hardship faced by citizens continued to grow.
The group highlighted insecurity as a major concern, noting that kidnapping and violent crimes had become increasingly frequent across communities in the state.
It said farmlands were no longer safe and residents now live in constant fear, describing the situation as a breakdown of safety across the state.
It stated that the government’s response had been inadequate, arguing that the absence of a clear and effective security strategy had left citizens vulnerable.
Beyond security, the group pointed to what it called a deeper structural failure in governance, particularly at the local government level.
It referenced a recent report by BudgIT, which it said exposed significant gaps in transparency. According to the report, Ondo State was only able to provide partial budget documentation for 14 local government areas, raising concerns about accountability in the management of public funds.
The ORF described this development as evidence of an opaque system, where financial activities at the grassroots level remain largely hidden from public scrutiny. It noted that local governments, which are closest to the people, lack accessible records detailing revenues, allocations and expenditures.
Comparing Ondo with other states such as Ekiti and Cross River, the group said those states had made progress in publishing detailed financial records, including budgets and performance reports.
In contrast, it said Ondo continues to operate with limited transparency, a situation it attributed to a lack of commitment rather than capacity.
The group warned that the absence of financial openness at the local level creates room for mismanagement and weakens accountability.
It added that many communities continue to face poor infrastructure, lack of basic amenities and stalled development projects, despite regular financial allocations, raising questions about the use of public funds.
ORF also raised concerns about leadership focus, stating that governance appears concentrated in the state capital, while other areas receive limited attention.
It alleged that frequent absence and external engagements by the governor may be affecting coordination and oversight within the state.
According to the group, the issues of insecurity, lack of transparency and weak local government autonomy reflect a broader pattern of governance challenges across sectors, including education, healthcare and social welfare.
It warned that the state cannot sustain its current trajectory, describing the situation as one that requires urgent intervention.
The group outlined several demands directed at the state government, including, “Immediate presentation of a clear and time-bound security plan to tackle rising violent crimes.
“Full publication of local government budgets, including detailed allocations and performance reports. Granting of financial and administrative autonomy to local governments.
“Public clarification on discrepancies in financial disclosures affecting 14 local government areas. Creation of mechanisms for citizens to monitor public spending.
“Establishment of measurable timelines to address insecurity and governance challenges.”
