The latest publication alleging an ₦180 million backlog of entitlements owed to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, is nothing more than a desperate attempt to manufacture a crisis where none exists.
Those making these allegations should stop hiding behind unnamed “sources” and produce documentary evidence. The Ondo State Government is not indebted to the Office of the Deputy Governor in the manner being alleged. All applicable allowances due to the office have been settled up to the relevant period, and the Deputy Governor himself has not publicly complained that the government owes him ₦180 million.
So, where is the evidence?
If the writer is genuinely interested in the truth, let him produce payment records, official correspondence, vouchers or any verifiable document establishing this alleged ₦180 million debt. Ondo people deserve facts, not political fiction packaged as investigative journalism.
AIYEDATIWA GAVE MORE, NOT LESS
There is another glaring contradiction in this attempt to create unnecessary tension.
When Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa served as Deputy Governor under the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, he lived in his personal residence. Today, however, the present Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, is occupying the luxurious official Deputy Governor’s residence within the Government House.
If the intention is to portray the Deputy Governor as being neglected, then these facts completely destroy that narrative.
The Deputy Governor’s official entourage and convoy are also operating with brand-new vehicles, including bulletproof Jeeps and sedans, provided for the security and effective performance of his constitutional responsibilities.
The Office of the Deputy Governor has equally been renovated, upgraded and equipped with modern state-of-the-art facilities.
These are not rumours. They are matters that can be physically verified.
Therefore, instead of sitting behind a keyboard and manufacturing allegations, the writer should take a simple step: visit the Deputy Governor’s official residence and office. See the facilities. See the vehicles. Verify the facts. Then come back and tell Ondo people that the Deputy Governor is being deliberately abandoned.
LEAVE THE FINANCE COMMISSIONER OUT OF YOUR POLITICAL MANIPULATION
Dragging the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac, into this manufactured controversy is particularly misleading.
There is no basis for attempting to create the impression that the Commissioner is engaged in a personal battle with the Deputy Governor or that she is acting to undermine the Governor’s relationship with his deputy.
Governor Aiyedatiwa and his Deputy Governor remain colleagues serving the people of Ondo State.
The desperate attempt to manufacture hostility between the two offices is therefore nothing but political mischief.
Those behind this campaign should understand that Ondo people are no longer gullible. They can distinguish between genuine governance concerns and stories deliberately designed to create suspicion, division and instability.
WHO IS REALLY BEHIND THIS CAMPAIGN?
Perhaps the writer knows more about the activities of the so-called Abuja cabals than he wants the public to know.
Perhaps this is another attempt by desperate political actors to create headlines, provoke internal conflict and earn political relevance by attacking the Governor and members of his administration.
Because increasingly, the pattern is becoming obvious:
Attack Governor Aiyedatiwa. Attack the Finance Commissioner. Manufacture a crisis. Mention Abuja. Then wait for political rewards.
That cannot be the new political economy of Ondo State.
Ondo State must not become a playground where politicians manufacture imaginary crises simply to attract attention or curry favour with people outside the state.
ONDO PEOPLE ARE WATCHING
Governor Aiyedatiwa has a responsibility to govern, not to spend every day responding to politically sponsored rumours.
The administration has continued to work, deliver projects, support workers and strengthen government institutions. Those who genuinely care about Ondo State should contribute constructive criticism backed by evidence, rather than manufacturing allegations capable of creating unnecessary tension between constitutional office holders.
Let those making the ₦180 million allegation bring their evidence.
Let them show the supposed payment schedules.
Let them publish the official correspondence.
Let them identify the specific statutory entitlements allegedly withheld.
Let them prove that the Deputy Governor personally complained.
Until then, this ₦180 million story should be treated for what it is: an unsubstantiated political narrative designed to create a crisis around Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration.
The people of Ondo State deserve better than political blackmail disguised as journalism.
And to those shopping for Abuja recognition by attacking their own state government, the message from the Opomulero Group is simple:
STOP USING ONDO STATE AS YOUR POLITICAL ATM. STOP MANUFACTURING CRISIS FOR PERSONAL RELEVANCE. ONDO PEOPLE ARE WATCHING, AND THEY WILL NOT BE DECEIVED.
Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael
DG, Opomulero Group
