A group of Ondo State indigenes has criticised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s decision to reappoint Dr Taiwo Fasoranti as Secretary to the State Government after he previously resigned to seek a senatorial ticket.
The group, operating under the Ondo Redemption Front, raised the objection in a statement released to journalists in Abuja on Friday.
The statement was jointly signed by the group’s Chairman, Dr Ologun Ayodeji; Co-Chairman, Mogbojuri Kayode; and Secretary, Adedotun Ajulo.
The Ondo Redemption Front argued that the appointment raised questions about coordination, continuity and strategic planning within the state government.
It described the SSG’s office as central to policy coordination and government administration, saying it should not be treated as a position that can be left vacant for extended periods.
According to the group, Fasoranti’s resignation to pursue a senatorial ambition created a prolonged leadership gap in one of the most important offices in the Ondo State Government.
The group questioned why the office remained vacant for months before the former SSG was returned to the same position.
It argued that government administration should continue without disruption, regardless of the political ambitions of individual officeholders.
The organisation said Fasoranti’s reappointment could create the impression that the office was being managed for political convenience rather than institutional stability.
It added that it had previously raised concerns about the direction of governance in Ondo State.
According to the group, recent developments reflected what it described as indecision and a reactive approach to public administration.
The Ondo Redemption Front also raised concerns about the operations of the state Ministry of Finance.
It alleged that complaints about delayed approvals, administrative bottlenecks and interference in official processes had emerged from serving and former government aides, as well as supporters of the administration.
The group asked Governor Aiyedatiwa to investigate the allegations involving the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Omowumi Isaac.
It said such an investigation would reassure residents that government activities were not being delayed by internal bureaucratic challenges.
The organisation also questioned the level of transparency surrounding the Akure flyover project, which has already commenced.
It claimed that sufficient information had not been made available about the project’s total cost, funding structure, procurement procedure and contractor selection process.
The group called on the state government to publish comprehensive details about the flyover to strengthen public accountability.
It further criticised conditions in the road, healthcare and education sectors, alleging that many public facilities continued to experience serious challenges.
According to the statement, some hospitals were struggling with shortages of personnel and equipment.
The group also cited Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, alleging that the institution continued to face administrative uncertainty and infrastructure problems.
On security, the Ondo Redemption Front expressed concern about reported kidnappings and attacks affecting rural communities.
It said farmers and residents in some areas felt inadequately protected amid the security challenges.
The group urged the governor to strengthen institutional governance and prevent key government offices from being left vacant because of political contests.
It also requested an administrative review to address alleged delays in government processes and improve efficiency across ministries and agencies.
Other demands included reforms in healthcare, education and security, as well as the introduction of quarterly public accountability sessions.
The organisation said the proposed sessions would allow the government to regularly explain its decisions, programmes and expenditure to residents.
Responding to the criticisms, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, dismissed the allegations as unfounded.
Adeniyan described the Ondo Redemption Front as a familiar critic of the governor that frequently raised complaints on social media without genuinely seeking official clarification.
He argued that the group was more interested in attracting attention than finding solutions to the challenges facing Ondo residents.
On Fasoranti’s reappointment, the governor’s spokesman said Aiyedatiwa had the constitutional authority to choose members of his cabinet.
Adeniyan maintained that objections to the SSG’s appointment were politically motivated and did not address the appointee’s competence or ability to perform the role.
He also said information about government projects, including the Akure flyover, was already available to the public.
The spokesman advised the group to use the Freedom of Information Act to request any additional project records or government data it required.
