By Admin
•ACCA DEMANDS EXPLANATION FROM AIYEDATIWA
Fresh questions have emerged over an alleged construction project within the Ondo State Government House complex in Alagbaka, Akure, following the circulation of a video purportedly showing ongoing building work at the premises.
The video, which has gone viral on social media, is alleged to show a residential building under construction within the Government House.
A source familiar with the project alleged that the building is being constructed as an official residence for the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Omowunmi Isaac, and is personally being supervised by her.
The source further claimed that the structure is located opposite the VIP Lodge within the Government House complex.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had, late last year, flagged off the construction of 32 residential units for members of the State Executive Council, a project valued at over ₦9 billion.
It was, however, gathered that the building allegedly being constructed for the finance commissioner is not part of the 32 housing units earlier announced by the governor.
Reacting to the development, the Association for Good Governance Advocacy (ACCA) criticised the alleged project, describing it as a misplaced priority at a time when, according to the group, many public facilities in the state require urgent attention.
In a statement signed by its State Coordinator, Mrs Folakemi Benson, the group questioned why the government would allegedly embark on the construction of a separate residence for the finance commissioner despite the challenges facing public hospitals, schools and roads across the state.
”Our concern is that the viral video allegedly showing the construction of a residential building for the Commissioner for Finance inside the Government House raises serious questions about the priorities of the Aiyedatiwa administration at a time many residents are yet to feel the impact of government policies,” the statement said.
ACCA said its concerns were in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent appeal to governors to avoid spending public funds on projects that do not directly improve the welfare of citizens.
The group referred to the President’s remarks during a meeting with the Oyo State Council of Obas, led by the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
The group argued that despite increased allocations from the Federation Account, many state governments, including Ondo, have failed to ensure that available resources are channelled towards projects with greater public benefit.
It also questioned whether the alleged project aligns with the state’s pressing needs in critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic development.
The statement added: “In 2025, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa flagged off the construction of 32 residential units for members of his cabinet, a project reportedly worth over ₦9 billion.
”We want the government to clarify whether the Commissioner for Finance is already accommodated under that arrangement. If she is, why is another residence allegedly being constructed for her within the Government House instead of the site designated for the cabinet housing project?
”The issues requiring clarification are not only the cost of the project but also whether such expenditure represents a prudent use of public funds and whether it aligns with the government’s responsibility to prioritise projects with lasting public value.”
As of press time, the Ondo State Government had not issued any official statement on the alleged project, including its cost, the contractor handling it or the source of funding.
