YETUNDE ADEFUA’S CALL FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR FINANCE IS BASED ON PERCEPTION, NOT FACTS; GOVERNOR AIYEDATIWA’S FISCAL DISCIPLINE IS DRIVING ONDO STATE’S DEVELOPMENT — DG OPOMULERO
The attention of the Opomulero Group has been drawn to the public letter written by Mrs. Yetunde Adefua, a former Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, calling for the removal of the Honourable Commissioner for Finance and questioning the fiscal management of the present administration.
Like Mrs. Adefua, I also had the privilege of serving as a Special Assistant to a former Governor of Ondo State over twelve years ago. That experience taught me that those entrusted with public office owe the people a duty to speak with responsibility, fairness and objectivity. Public commentary, especially on matters of governance, must be anchored on verifiable facts rather than assumptions, perceptions or political sentiments.
Constructive criticism remains an essential ingredient of democracy, but it loses credibility when it is built on sweeping allegations without credible evidence. Serious accusations against a strategic institution such as the Ministry of Finance should be supported by facts capable of public verification, not speculation.
Contrary to the impression created by Mrs. Adefua, the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has demonstrated prudent fiscal management despite the difficult economic realities confronting states across Nigeria. Salaries and approved allowances are paid promptly, inherited financial obligations have been cleared, infrastructure projects are progressing, healthcare and education continue to receive significant investment, while security, agriculture and rural development remain top priorities of government.
As someone who personally served in government, I can attest to the Governor’s commitment to financial responsibility. When I left office, I was owed seven months’ salary arrears. Those outstanding arrears were fully paid by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa through the Ministry of Finance. That singular action reflects a government that honours its obligations instead of abandoning them.
The claims concerning the Office of the Deputy Governor also fail to reflect present realities. Governor Aiyedatiwa, having once served as Deputy Governor himself, understands the strategic importance of that office. While he operated from his private residence during his tenure as Deputy Governor, the current Deputy Governor occupies a modern and well-equipped official lodge. In addition, the administration has approved a new bulletproof convoy to strengthen the security and operational efficiency of the Office of the Deputy Governor. These are practical demonstrations of the Governor’s commitment to preserving the dignity and effectiveness of that constitutional office.
Equally misleading is the suggestion that civil servants have been neglected. Governor Aiyedatiwa has consistently approved training and retraining programmes for workers, promoted qualified officers, including the appointment of Permanent Secretaries, and continued to improve the welfare and productivity of the state’s workforce. These actions are the hallmarks of a government committed to building a professional and efficient public service.
It is also important to state that the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac, has brought professionalism, competence and fiscal discipline to the management of Ondo State’s finances. Through reforms designed to block leakages, strengthen accountability and improve transparency, the Ministry has protected public resources and ensured that available funds are channelled towards developmental projects in line with the approved budget.
Every responsible government appoints competent professionals to strategic ministries. The Ministry of Finance remains one of the most sensitive institutions in government, requiring experienced hands capable of safeguarding public funds and ensuring fiscal sustainability. Governor Aiyedatiwa deserves commendation for assembling a team of capable professionals to drive his administration’s economic agenda.
On donor-assisted projects, it is important to educate the public that counterpart funding is a standard requirement before development partners release their own contributions. It is therefore misleading to suggest that donor-funded projects have suffered without identifying any specific project or presenting credible evidence to support such claims.
The assertion that the implementation of the 2026 Budget has failed to reflect the economic potential of Ondo State is subjective and unsupported by facts. Budget implementation must always be assessed in the context of available revenue, prevailing economic realities and competing developmental priorities. Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration has continued to implement the budget responsibly by prioritising infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, security and workers’ welfare. Sustainable development is built on prudent financial management, not reckless expenditure.
Similarly, the claim that Ministries, Departments and Agencies are operating under severe financial constraints oversimplifies the realities of public finance. Every responsible government allocates resources based on available revenue, approved budgets and established financial procedures. Fiscal discipline should never be mistaken for financial neglect. The evidence of responsible financial management is visible in the numerous projects and programmes currently being executed across Ondo State.
The suggestion that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s approvals are being delayed or frustrated by the Ministry of Finance is speculative, misleading and unsupported by any credible evidence. Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa remains the Chief Executive of Ondo State, and no ministry or public official possesses the authority to override or frustrate his lawful directives. The responsibility of the Ministry of Finance is simply to ensure that approvals are implemented in line with budgetary provisions, financial regulations and due process. That is responsible governance, not obstruction.
I therefore challenge Mrs. Yetunde Adefua to identify a single major government project abandoned because of the alleged failures of the Ministry of Finance. Public debate should be driven by evidence, not generalisations designed to create unnecessary anxiety among the people.
Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac has served Ondo State with professionalism, integrity and competence. Under her leadership, the Ministry of Finance has strengthened fiscal accountability, blocked revenue leakages and supported Governor Aiyedatiwa’s vision of responsible, transparent and sustainable governance.
I respectfully advise Mrs. Yetunde Adefua to verify her facts, engage the appropriate government institutions and present credible evidence before making public allegations capable of misleading the people of Ondo State. Public discourse should enlighten citizens, strengthen confidence in public institutions and promote good governance rather than rely on perceptions unsupported by verifiable facts.
The people of Ondo State can clearly see the steady progress being recorded under the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. Salaries are being paid, inherited debts are being cleared, projects are being delivered, and governance continues to move in the right direction. No amount of unfounded allegations can erase these visible achievements.
Rather than promoting distractions, all stakeholders should join hands with the Governor and his team as they consolidate the gains already recorded and continue building a more prosperous Ondo State for the benefit of present and future generations.
Signed:
Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael
Director General, Opomulero Group
