Activists decry worsening insecurity, others in Ondo
Ondo Redemption Front has decried what it describes as a continued decline in security and transparency under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Speaking at a news conference, Chairman, Dr. Ayodeji Ologun; Co-Chairman,
Ondo Redemption Front has decried what it describes as a continued decline in security and transparency under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Speaking at a news conference, Chairman, Dr. Ayodeji Ologun; Co-Chairman, Mogbojuri Kayode, and Secretary, Adedotun Ajulo, said their latest review, coming weeks after its February report, showed insecurity have not improved but have instead worsened.
The organisation, a civic and accountability advocacy platform, said its earlier warning and recommendations were ignored, while the hardship faced by citizens grows.
The group highlighted insecurity as a major concern, noting kidnapping and violent crimes have become frequent in communities.
It said farmlands are no longer safe and residents live in fear, describing the situation as a breakdown of safety.
ORF said the government’s response has been inadequate, arguing the absence of a clear and effective security strategy has left citizens vulnerable.
Beyond security, the group pointed to what it called a deeper structural failure in governance, particularly at the local government level.
It referenced a report by BudgIT, which it said exposed gaps in transparency. According to the report, Ondo State was only able to provide partial budget documentation for 14 councils, raising concerns about accountability in the management of public funds.
ORF said this is evidence of an opaque system where finances at grassroots level are hidden from scrutiny. It noted that councils, which are closest to the people, lack accessible records detailing revenue, allocations, and expenditures.
Comparing Ondo with other states such as Ekiti and Cross River, the group said those states have made progress in publishing detailed financial records, including budgets and performance reports.
In contrast, it said Ondo continues to operate with limited transparency, a situation it attributed to a lack of commitment rather than capacity.
The group warned that the absence of financial openness at the local level creates room for mismanagement and weakens accountability.
It added that many communities continue to face poor infrastructure, lack of basic amenities, and stalled development projects despite regular financial allocations, raising questions about the use of public funds.
ORF also raised concerns about leadership focus, stating that governance appears concentrated in the state capital while other areas receive limited attention.
It alleged that frequent absences and external engagements by the governor may be affecting coordination and oversight within the state.
According to the group, the issues of insecurity, lack of transparency, and weak local government autonomy reflect a broader pattern of governance challenges across sectors, including education, healthcare, and social welfare.
The Ondo Redemption Front warned that the state cannot sustain its current trajectory, describing the situation as one that requires urgent intervention.
The group outlined several demands directed at the state government, including: “Immediate presentation of a clear and time-bound security plan to tackle rising violent crimes.
“Full publication of local government budgets, including detailed allocations and performance reports. Granting of financial and administrative autonomy to local governments.
“Public clarification on discrepancies in financial disclosures affecting 14 local government areas. Creation of mechanisms for citizens to monitor public spending.
“Establishment of measurable timelines to address insecurity and governance challenges.”
