The Ondo State government, under the leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has sanctioned a substantial budget of N31.1 billion for the construction of a new High Court Complex in Akure, the state capital. This decision comes in the wake of significant economic difficulties that residents of Ondo are currently facing. The approval was granted during a recent meeting of the State Executive Council, chaired by Governor Aiyedatiwa, as detailed in documents reviewed by SaharaReporters.
The contract for the construction project has been awarded to Westfield Global Construction Company, with an expected completion timeframe of 48 weeks. In a separate decision, the Aiyedatiwa administration has also allocated N1.2 billion for the renovation and furnishing of the VIP lodge at the Government House in Akure, a contract assigned to Oakland Construction Concept, slated for completion in just 12 weeks.
This latest contract follows earlier scrutiny concerning a previous expenditure of N775 million aimed at remodeling the main gate and perimeter fence of the Government House. This announcement sparked considerable debate among residents and observers alike.
Kayode Mogbojuri, a legal practitioner and activist from Ondo, publicly criticized the governor’s financial decisions on Facebook, stating, “Mr. Aiyedatiwa reportedly awarded approximately N800M for the remodeling of the main gate and perimeter fence of Government House grounds. Aiyedatiwa is becoming financially reckless, and Ondo State people deserve clarity on the management of state resources.”
Another social media user, Funmilayo Moyosoore, added her voice to the criticism, questioning the expenditure: “I heard Aiyedatiwa approved N774 million for a fence (Wall of Jericho) construction… Who will keep Lagidigba in check?”
Earlier this year, SaharaReporters reported on the governor’s proposed N5 billion budget for renovating a Day Care Centre and Creche. Following the publication, the state government clarified through the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Emmanuel Igbasan, that the amount listed was a typographical error.
In response to these financial decisions, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State accused Governor Aiyedatiwa of squandering N2.4 billion on projects they deemed unnecessary, particularly during a period marked by widespread poverty. Kennedy Peretei, a spokesman for the PDP, condemned the N1.2 billion renovation of the VIP lodge, arguing that constructing a new facility would be more cost-effective if not influenced by corrupt practices.
“How many residents of Ondo will benefit from a renovated VIP lodge?” Peretei queried. “A governor who neglects the welfare of his people cannot claim they are fortunate to have him in office.”
In defense of these expenditures, Wale Akinlosotu, the Ondo Commissioner for Information, asserted that these projects are crucial for improving the state’s infrastructure.
Since President Bola Tinubu took office in May 2023, the Nigerian economy has faced multiple challenges, leading to a steady increase in food prices. The rise in hunger and poverty has affected many, including residents of Ondo State, exacerbated by government policies such as the removal of fuel subsidies.
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