The attention of the Opomulero Group has been drawn to the public letter written by Mrs. Yetunde Adefua, a former Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, calling for the removal of the Honourable Commissioner for Finance and questioning the fiscal management of the present administration.

Like Mrs. Adefua, I also served as a Special Assistant to a former Governor of Ondo State over twelve years ago. That experience taught me that those privileged to serve in government owe the public a duty to speak responsibly and base their comments on verifiable facts rather than assumptions or perceptions.

While constructive criticism remains an important pillar of democracy, it loses credibility when it relies on broad allegations without evidence. Serious claims against a public institution such as the Ministry of Finance should be supported by facts capable of public verification.

The administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has continued to demonstrate prudent financial management despite the prevailing economic realities facing states across Nigeria. Salaries and approved allowances are paid as at when due, inherited financial obligations have been settled, infrastructure projects are ongoing, healthcare and education continue to receive attention, while security and rural development remain key priorities of government.

As someone who personally served in government, I can testify that when I left office, I was owed seven months’ salary arrears. Those arrears were fully paid by Governor Aiyedatiwa through the Ministry of Finance. That singular act reflects a government that honours its obligations rather than abandoning them.

The claims concerning the Office of the Deputy Governor do not reflect the current realities. Governor Aiyedatiwa, who once served as Deputy Governor, understands the importance of that office. While he resided in his private residence during his tenure as Deputy Governor, the current Deputy Governor now occupies a modern and well-equipped official lodge. The administration has also approved a new bulletproof convoy to strengthen the security and operational efficiency of the Office of the Deputy Governor, demonstrating the Governor’s commitment to the dignity and effectiveness of that constitutional office.

The allegation that civil servants have been neglected is equally misleading. Governor Aiyedatiwa has continued to approve professional training and retraining programmes for workers, while also making history through the promotion of Permanent Secretaries, demonstrating his commitment to building a more efficient, motivated and productive public service.

It is also important to emphasise that the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac, has brought professional expertise and strong financial discipline to the management of Ondo State’s finances. Through reforms aimed at blocking financial leakages, strengthening accountability and improving transparency, the Ministry has helped preserve more public resources for developmental projects in accordance with the approved budget.

Every responsible government appoints qualified professionals to strategic ministries. The Ministry of Finance is one of the most sensitive institutions in government and requires experienced experts capable of protecting public funds and ensuring fiscal sustainability. Governor Aiyedatiwa deserves commendation for assembling competent professionals to drive his administration’s economic agenda.

On donor-assisted projects, it should be clearly understood that counterpart funding is a standard requirement before development partners release their own contributions. It is therefore misleading to suggest that donor-funded projects have suffered without identifying any specific project or presenting evidence to support such a claim.

The claim that the implementation of the 2026 Budget has not reflected the enormous economic potential of Ondo State is subjective and unsupported by evidence. Budget implementation must be assessed against prevailing economic realities, available revenue and competing developmental priorities. Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration has continued to implement the 2026 Budget responsibly by prioritising infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, security and workers’ welfare. Sustainable development is achieved through prudent fiscal management, not reckless expenditure.

The allegation that Ministries, Departments and Agencies are operating under severe financial constraints is an oversimplification of how public finance works. Every responsible government prioritises expenditure based on available revenue and approved budgetary allocations. The Ministry of Finance releases funds in accordance with approved budgets, cash-flow realities and established financial procedures. Fiscal discipline should never be mistaken for financial neglect. The evidence is visible in the ongoing projects and programmes being executed across Ondo State.

The suggestion that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s approvals are frequently delayed or frustrated by the Ministry of Finance is entirely speculative and unsupported by any credible evidence. Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa remains the Chief Executive of Ondo State, and no ministry or public official has the authority to frustrate or override his lawful directives. The Ministry of Finance merely ensures that approvals are implemented in accordance with budgetary provisions, financial regulations and due process. That is not obstruction; it is responsible governance.

I also challenge Mrs. Yetunde Adefua to identify one major project abandoned by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s administration because of the alleged failures of the Ministry of Finance. Public discourse should be driven by facts, not generalisations.

Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac has served with professionalism, competence and integrity as Commissioner for Finance. Under her leadership, the Ministry has strengthened fiscal accountability, blocked revenue leakages and supported Governor Aiyedatiwa’s vision of responsible governance.

I therefore respectfully advise Mrs. Yetunde Adefua to engage the relevant government institutions, verify her facts and present credible evidence before making public allegations capable of misleading the people of Ondo State. Public discourse should enlighten the people, strengthen confidence in public institutions and contribute positively to good governance rather than rely on perceptions unsupported by verifiable facts.

The people of Ondo State can clearly see the steady progress being recorded under Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s administration. Rather than promoting unnecessary distractions, all stakeholders should continue to support the Governor and his team as they consolidate the gains already achieved and build a more prosperous Ondo State for the benefit of every citizen.

Signed:

Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael
Director General, Opomulero Group