Opposition parties in Ondo State have condemned Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s recent decision to appoint 344 new aides, criticising the move as “insensitive” and “misguided” given the state’s economic challenges.
The appointments, made just three months before the state’s governorship election on November 16, have sparked controversy among political leaders and residents alike.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been particularly vocal in its criticism.
The state chapter of the PDP accused Governor Aiyedatiwa of wasting taxpayers’ money to further his personal political ambitions.
Agboola Ajayi, the PDP candidate for the upcoming election, described the appointments as a reckless expenditure, pointing out that the monthly cost of the aides could amount to approximately N1.2 billion.
Ajayi argued that the funds could be better utilised in establishing new ministries or addressing pressing state needs.
“The appointment of 344 aides with no defined responsibilities is a political gimmick aimed at securing votes and intimidating opponents,” Ajayi said. “Ondo State has never seen such a level of mismanagement. We will not tolerate this and will respond decisively at the polls on November 16.”
PDP’s Director of Media and Publicity, Leye Igbagbo, criticised the timing of the appointments, describing them as a misguided attempt to drain state resources.
Igbagbo lamented the governor’s inability to point to any substantial projects or improvements despite receiving federal funds in recent months.
He also pointed out the deteriorating conditions in Akure, the state capital, and criticised the neglect of crucial infrastructure and health facilities.
Hon. Gbenga Edema, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) candidate, also joined the critique, labelling the appointments as politically motivated rather than a genuine attempt to address state needs.
Edema’s spokesperson, Oluwatosin Ayeni, expressed concern over the financial implications of the appointments and criticised the governor for prioritising political loyalty over public welfare.
“If Aiyedatiwa’s appointments are meant to secure political loyalty under the guise of new roles, it shows a disturbing level of insensitivity,” Edema said. “At a time of economic hardship, these appointments represent a gross misdirection of government priorities.”
