Prominent indigenes under the aegis of Ondo Elite Assembly (OEA) have alleged that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State is running down his late predecessor with falsehood and propaganda.
They particularly picked holes in the claims of hidden money by the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu which his successor purportedly discovered.
The group also lamented that Aiyedatiwa is attempting to diminish the legacies and achievements of Akeredolu through lies and propaganda.
In a statement signed by its general secretary, Chief Yemi Oladiran made available to LEADERSHIP Weekend in Abuja yesterday, the group said Aiyedatiwa employs “mindless propaganda” to incite the people of the state against the deceased Akeredolu, who was his benefactor.
In a response to reports that Aiyedatiwa had approved the payment of January 2017 salary arrears and the alleged “hidden money” that is now being utilised by his administration, Oladiran said, “There is no hidden money anywhere. The Akeredolu administration planted the seed that is now ripe for harvest. Aiyedatiwa, who is now reaping the benefits, is too deceptive to give credit to his late boss. It is the height of wickedness.
“The truth is that more funds have been allocated to the state by the federal government than before. For instance, the federal government released N7 billion intended to clear part of the outstanding dues to contractors. However, the then acting governor, now the governor halted the payments midway through the process. The money remains in the state coffers.
“Another N7 billion was also released by the federal government in December while Aiyedatiwa held the position of acting governor. This was followed by an additional N9 billion paid in this New Year.
“These releases were approved by the federal government months ago,” he said.
The group added: ‘Pensioners’ palliative has been paid monthly since inception, and the pensioners can attest to this. It was approved, along with other palliatives, by the late former governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and the funds were made available as well.
Oladiran said Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, like other institutions, receives its monthly subvention from the state government whenever salaries are being paid.
Also, a monthly release of N200 million for gratuity has been in place since the Akeredolu administration began.
“The judgment debt owed to the local governments was approved by the late former governor and the funds were released for payment early December, 2023,” Oladiran stated.
