Concerned Ondo Citizens Petition Assembly, ICPC, And CCB Over Alleged Certificate Forgery And Mismanagement of Funds By Governor Aiyedatiwa

A civic group under the banner of the Concerned Sons and Daughters of Ondo State Initiative has petitioned the Ondo State House of Assembly, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), calling for a full investigation into the academic credentials and financial management practices of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

In a petition dated October 17, 2025, and signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Akinrinsola Adetokunbo, the organisation accused the governor of alleged discrepancies in his declared educational qualifications and raised concerns over the handling of public funds and allocations to local governments in the state.

According to the petition, the group claimed that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s publicly stated academic background includes an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Ibadan (2001), studies at Lagos Business School, a Postgraduate Certification in Business Management, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, obtained in 2013.

However, the petitioners alleged that preliminary findings and independent checks revealed no verifiable record of an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration at the University of Ibadan in 2001, no official confirmation from Lagos Business School regarding attendance, and no confirmation from the University of Liverpool about the issuance of the said MBA degree.

“These inconsistencies raise serious concerns about possible misrepresentation in the governor’s public declarations,” the group stated, adding that such could amount to a violation of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act as well as relevant sections of the Criminal Code Act dealing with forgery and false statements.

On financial management, the group alleged irregularities in the disbursement of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds to local governments between January and September 2025. They claimed that despite the state receiving over N109 billion during the period, local governments reportedly receive as little as N4 million monthly, despite FAAC records showing monthly inflows averaging between N10 and N12 billion.

“This wide disparity calls for a forensic audit to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions mandating direct remittance to local governments,” the petition stated.

The group urged the Ondo State House of Assembly to convene a public oversight hearing to compel the governor, the commissioner for finance, and the accountant-general to provide FAAC receipts, bank statements, and reconciliation reports for the period under review. They also requested that the assembly’s public accounts committee investigate the utilisation of allocations and confirm the authenticity of the governor’s academic records.

Similarly, they asked the ICPC to conduct a forensic audit of the state’s financial records and investigate potential diversion or misuse of public funds. The Code of Conduct Bureau was also urged to review the governor’s asset declaration forms and verify the submitted educational credentials with the relevant institutions.

Concluding, the group called for urgent and transparent action by all concerned agencies to protect the integrity of public service in Ondo State.

“Failure to address these matters transparently risks further erosion of public trust and continued hardship for citizens whose taxes and allocations fund the state,” the petition read.

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AAUA Students’ Union Gives Ondo Government 7-Day Ultimatum Over Lingering ASUU Strike

Tension is brewing at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), as the Students’ Union has issued a 7-day ultimatum to the Ondo State Government to resolve the ongoing internal strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the institution.

In a statement released on Friday, October 17, 2025, and jointly signed by the Students’ Union President, Comrade Salami Akeem (Ologbon), the General Secretary, Comrade Bakare Jamiu Abiodun (Unique), and the Public Relations Officer, Comrade Ajidagba Mosadoluwa (Mosa Gold), the Union accused the state government of insensitivity and silence in the face of the lingering industrial crisis that has crippled academic activities on campus.

The statement described Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s “silence and irresponsiveness” as a direct affront to students, calling it a betrayal of trust and a display of nonchalance towards the welfare of Nigerian students. According to the Union, the governor’s inaction has brought embarrassment to his administration and cast a shadow over the reputation of the state.

While commending the university’s lecturers for their dedication and resilience, the Union expressed sympathy with the academic staff, whom it referred to as “builders of excellence.” The Union noted that the lecturers have continued to perform their duties under difficult conditions despite the government’s alleged failure to pay salaries and provide adequate subventions to the university.

Citing Martin Luther King Jr.’s words that “our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter,” the Union stressed that it would not fold its arms while students’ academic futures are jeopardized. It warned that the staff salaries should be viewed as an obligation arising from agreements, not as a privilege.

The Students’ Union stated unequivocally that if the government fails to resolve the crisis within 7 days, students across the state will be mobilized for mass action. “The government must address this internal ASUU strike within 7 days or experience the fierce wrath of Nigerian students,” the statement read.

The Union urged the Ondo State Government to treat the issue with urgency, noting that Adekunle Ajasin University remains a pride of the state and must not be allowed to deteriorate further.

As at press time, the Ondo State Government has yet to issue an official response to the ultimatum.

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Owo Council Crisis Deepens As Legislative House, Chairman Clash Over Suspension

Tension has gripped Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State following conflicting statements between the Legislative Arm and the Executive Chairman, Hon. Tope Omolayo, over his recent suspension by the council’s lawmakers.

In a press statement issued by the Majority Leader of the Legislative House, Hon. Owamoyo Tolani Okolo, the councillors maintained that the decision to suspend Hon. Omolayo was taken in line with due process and constitutional provisions. The lawmakers stated that the action became necessary after allegations of gross misconduct, financial improprieties, and violation of statutory regulations were brought against the chairman.

According to the statement, ten out of eleven councillors were present during the sitting, which was duly convened with the presence of key officials, including the Clerk, Deputy Clerk, and Sergeant-at-Arms. The lawmakers further explained that the legislative mace, as the recognized symbol of authority, was properly positioned, and the House had deliberated and even passed a bill titled *A Bill to Stop the Use of Siren Without Official Authority for Owo Local Government Area*, before proceeding to suspend the chairman.

The Legislative Arm described insinuations that the sitting was illegal as false and misleading, stressing that its decision was taken in the best interest of accountability, transparency, and good governance. The lawmakers also alleged that Hon. Omolayo had resorted to threats and intimidation, accusing him of using an opposition party-aligned NULGE President to issue death threats against councillors who were only performing their constitutional duties. They called on security agencies to investigate the matter and ensure the safety of all legislative members.

However, Hon. Omolayo has described his suspension as illegal, baseless, and an act of political immaturity. In his own statement, the council boss alleged that only six councillors were involved in what he termed a “devilish act” and insisted that the purported suspension did not follow any legitimate procedure.

He revealed that four councillors had already distanced themselves from the move, including Hon. Aladenusi Oladapo, Hon. Olaniyi Ogunmolawa, Hon. Olaniran Adekunle, and Hon. Fagbamila Kehinde. Omolayo accused the councillors behind his suspension of making outrageous financial demands, including a request for twelve million naira, which he refused to entertain.

The embattled chairman reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Deputy Governor, Hon. Olayide Adelami, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III. He called on residents to remain calm and pledged to continue discharging his duties within the confines of the law and in the best interest of the people.

As the crisis unfolds, concerned observers have called for intervention from the state government and traditional institutions to prevent further escalation and to safeguard stability in Owo Local Government Area.

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