Open Letter to Gov Aiyedatiwa against Ondo SSG over alleged corruption and power play

In a startling revelation, the dark undercurrents of corruption within Ondo State’s political landscape are unveiled, painting a disturbing picture of collusion, deceit, and self-enrichment at the highest levels of government.

It has come to light that the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi (Tukana) and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Pastor Babalola Joseph Ayoade, have allegedly formed a clandestine cartel with the aim of seizing control of lucrative Ministries and Agencies of Government to illicitly enrich themselves ahead of the 2028 governorship elections.

This collusion, spearheaded by Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, the SSG, has unfolded a web of deceit, manipulation, and alleged fraudulent practices within the corridors of power.

The SSG orchestrated the diversion of responsibilities by making the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Pastor Babalola Joseph Ayoade, to oversee the installation of over 1,000 solar street lights, a task designated for the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

This manoeuvre not only undermined the authority of the Honourable Commissioner, Engr. Razak Obe, but has also strained relationships within the Cabinet and clearly highlights the SSG’s self-serving agenda.

Additionally, the SSG has shamelessly exploited government contracts, securing over 200 office cleaning/clearing jobs for personal gain.

The alleged collusion of key figures such as Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan and the unwitting Chief of Staff (COS) Prince Olusegun Omojuwa underscores the depth of the cartel’s influence and its insidious impact on governance.

In a brazen display of political machination, the cartel seeks to capitalize on the Governor’s busy schedule to advance its selfish agenda, including the surreptitious appointment of Rt. Hon. Olabimtan as Director-General of the Governor’s Electioneering Campaign.

However, the Governor’s caution in announcing Olabimtan’s appointment reflects a reluctance to endorse an unvetted candidate.

Their relentless pursuit of power, coupled with historical betrayals by Akure elites, serves as a stark warning to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, urging him to remain vigilant against the treacherous schemes of political opportunists.

Additionally, the SSG’s manipulation extends to contract awards under the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, attempting to replace the six contractors with track records of construction works’ performance and for which the Governor’s approval had been secured in principle with the cronies of the cartel. This insidious agenda aims to consolidate wealth and influence ahead of the 2028 gubernatorial elections, with key figures such as the Chief of Staff and Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan complicit in the scheme.

The most egregious act orchestrated by this cabal was the appointment of Adelabu Adeniyi Emmanuel as the State Project Coordinator (SPC) of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).

The SSG, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, lied and misinformed the Governor that Adelabu Adeniyi Emmanuel is a staff of the World Bank in order to secure his appointment, when he knows full well that the said Adelabu Adeniyi Emmanuel is a Grade Level 12 officer in the Federal Ministry of Works.

This is a flagrant breach of the oath of his office which was administered to him during his swearing-in ceremony in which he swore to be truthful at all times.

This ploy, aimed at seizing control of the World Bank project within RAAMP, flagrantly violates operational guidelines and underscores the cartel’s disregard for ethical standards.

Further exacerbating the situation is Adelabu Adeniyi Emmanuel’s fraudulent receipt of salaries from the coffers of both the Ondo State Government through RAAMP and the Federal Ministry of Works.

This is a clear breach of staff regulations that warrants investigation by anti-graft agencies.

It will be recalled that Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, who was appointed by the late Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in July 2020 following the resignation of the former occupant, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde had to be dropped by the former Governor for his alleged penchant for corruption.

The SSG’s grand plan is to seize the control of the machinery of government to give the impression that the Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, is not in charge of government affairs.

In a final affront to ethical governance, the cartel champions the advocacy for a single four-year term for the Governor.

Their activities are with the intention to undermining the authority and integrity of Mr. Governor and causing him much embarrassment.

These revelations are not mere conjecture but substantiated by verifiable evidence. It is, therefore, imperative for Mr. Governor to launch a thorough investigation ascertain the veracity of these verifiable facts by immediately constituting a special panel of inquiry.

It is imperative to confront and dismantle this exploitative cartel to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and justice in government affairs.

The collusion between government officials to subvert due process and exploit public resources for personal gain must be exposed and met with swift justice.

The future of Ondo State hinges on the eradication of corruption and the restoration of accountability within its government.

Advertorial Sponsored by Concerned Ondo Stakeholders, signed by Egbuwalo Olumide (President) and Omosaye Aiyenitaju (Secretary).

DISCLAIMER: THE ABOVE WRITTEN ARTICLE IS AN ADVERTORIAL WRITTEN AND SPONSORED BY CONCERNED ONDO STAKEHOLDERS. THE ARTICLE DOES NOT REFLECT THE OPINION OF THE EDITOR, STARNEWS NG AND THE PHILOSOPHY OF MEDIA ORGANIZATION.