CSO Accuses Ondo Govt of Undermining Local Councils, APC Defends Aiyedatiwa

A civil society organisation, the Ondo Redemption Front (ORF), has raised alarm over what it described as the continued strangulation of local government administration in Ondo State.

Speaking at a press briefing, ORF Chairman, Ayodeji Ologun, criticised the state government for allegedly frustrating efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen grassroots governance, despite the constitutional backing for local government autonomy.

Ologun called on the Federal Government and the Attorney General of the Federation to enforce the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy, which mandates direct access to federal allocations for local councils.

“You will recall that the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation approached the Supreme Court to give life to our local governments. The reliefs sought were granted, promising direct access to funds from the federation account,” Ologun said.

He accused the state government of prioritising political infighting over governance, stating that “governance has been reduced to pronouncements and endless political shadowboxing,” rather than addressing pressing developmental issues.

Ologun also urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to “wake up” to the responsibilities of his office, saying true leadership requires “listening, planning, and acting decisively.”

APC Reacts, Defends State Government

In response, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State dismissed the group’s claims as unfounded and politically motivated.

The party, through its Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, described the ORF’s remarks as a “desperate attempt to cast aspersions on the image of an elected government.”

“Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration remains resolute in delivering on its electoral mandate with commendable prudence and foresight,” the statement read.

On the issue of local government administration, the APC maintained that the state government is operating “strictly within the legal and constitutional framework guiding the three tiers of government.”

The controversy reflects ongoing national debates around the enforcement of local government autonomy and the role of state governments in the allocation and management of local resources.