Group urges Aiyedatiwa to focus on governance

The Ondo Redemption Front (ORF) has accused the state government of prioritising political manoeuvring over good governance, urging the administration to focus instead on security, healthcare, education, water supply, workers’ welfare, and infrastructure.

In its August “State of the State” address, presented by its chairman, Dr Ayodeji Ologun, the group stated that Ondo State faces serious governance challenges despite the opportunities presented by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

It criticised the growing political tension within the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that internal disputes could undermine the state’s relationship with the Federal Government.

The group noted that Ondo currently has three prominent indigenes serving in the Federal Executive Council: the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; the Minister of Youth Development, Ayo Olawande; and the Minister of State for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele. It highlighted that their presence provides the state with an ideal opportunity to attract federal projects, investments, and developmental interventions.

It also cited federal initiatives, such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the reconstruction and dualisation of the Ore–Ondo–Akure and Owo–Benin road corridors, the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, and the proposed Aviation College, as clear evidence of the opportunities available to the state.

 “The question, therefore, is simple: what is Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa doing with this opportunity?” the group asked, alleging that the administration is becoming increasingly consumed by internal political struggles.

The ORF also raised concerns over reports of a “rainbow coalition” within the APC and alleged attempts by groups linked to the governor to challenge party decisions regarding the National Assembly primaries.

While acknowledging that the governor’s camp has denied allegations of anti-party activities, the group questioned whether political arrangements involving his loyalists could genuinely take place without his knowledge.

“We are not interested in determining which faction is right in every internal party dispute. What concerns us is the larger implication,” the ORF stated.

The group urged Aiyedatiwa to strengthen Ondo’s relationship with President Tinubu and focus on securing federal interventions rather than engaging in internal political battles.