The Director General of the Opomulero Group, Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael (DG Opomulero), has read with keen interest the article authored by Barrister Wale Obanigba, Esq., titled “When Criticism Is Not Calumny.” While every Nigerian has the constitutional right to criticise any government, that right does not exempt anyone from the responsibility of presenting balanced, objective and verifiable facts.
Barrister Obanigba attempts to portray Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s administration as one that has fallen short despite unprecedented federal allocations. Unfortunately, his entire argument is built more on assumptions and selective narratives than on an honest assessment of the realities on the ground.
Nobody has argued that criticism is illegal. What we reject is the deliberate distortion of facts and the systematic effort by some politically interested individuals to create a false impression that nothing is working in Ondo State. That is not constructive criticism; it is political propaganda disguised as intellectual analysis.
It is ironic that Barrister Obanigba demands evidence from those defending the Governor while deliberately overlooking visible projects and policy reforms across the state. Roads are under construction, healthcare infrastructure is receiving renewed attention, retirees are receiving long-overdue gratuities, workers have benefited from promotions and improved welfare, education has attracted significant interventions, security architecture has been strengthened, and rural communities are witnessing projects that were neglected for years.
More importantly, within just one year of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration, over 3,000 employment opportunities have been created across several sectors of the Ondo State economy, providing jobs for youths and qualified professionals. This is a verifiable achievement that directly impacts thousands of families and demonstrates that the administration is committed not only to infrastructure but also to human capital development.
It is also significant that commendations for Governor Aiyedatiwa are not coming only from members of the APC. The Ondo State Chairman of the NNPP, Pastor Peter Olagookun, publicly acknowledged that Governor Aiyedatiwa has performed beyond the expectations many had of his predecessor. Such bipartisan recognition reinforces the fact that good governance transcends party politics and should be appreciated regardless of political affiliation.
His reliance on external reports as though they represent the final verdict on governance is equally misleading. No performance index is superior to the daily experiences of citizens who now enjoy better infrastructure, improved welfare, expanded development projects and a government that continues to respond to their needs. Governance cannot be reduced to statistics compiled by organisations that may not fully capture realities on the ground.
The comparison of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration to a student who scored 39 per cent is not only unfair but intellectually weak. Governance is not an academic examination where complex developmental challenges are reduced to simplistic percentages. The Governor inherited numerous longstanding problems that accumulated over several administrations, yet within a relatively short period he has demonstrated courage, stability and a clear commitment to sustainable development.
It is also curious that critics who repeatedly reference increased FAAC allocations conveniently ignore the rising cost of infrastructure, inflation, security challenges, wage obligations and other economic realities affecting every state in Nigeria. Increased revenue automatically translates into increased responsibilities. Any honest assessment must consider both sides of the equation.
Governor Aiyedatiwa has never claimed perfection. No responsible government is beyond criticism. However, criticism must be be rooted in truth rather than political expectations or premature campaign calculations by those already positioning themselves for future elections.
The people of Ondo State are discerning enough to distinguish between genuine public accountability and coordinated attempts to discredit an administration that is steadily delivering results. Political essays and media campaigns cannot erase completed projects, ongoing developments or the confidence that many citizens continue to repose in Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
History will judge this administration not by the volume of criticism from political opponents but by the roads built, schools improved, hospitals strengthened, over 3,000 jobs created, workers empowered, retirees paid, investments attracted and lives positively impacted.
No amount of intellectual grandstanding or carefully worded rhetoric will distract Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa from his commitment to delivering purposeful leadership for the people of Ondo State.
Signed:
Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael
Director General, Opomulero Group
