Residents of Ese Akoko and Afin Akoko, under Ward 9 of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have raised alarm over what they describe as ongoing misrule, incompetence, and acts of injustice perpetrated by Hon. Rasheed Badmus, the current Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ondo State. In a strongly-worded petition addressed to key political leaders including Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa and Minister of Interior Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, concerned residents highlighted a series of grievances. It was signed by one Oni Joseph.
The petition accuses Hon. Rasheed Badmus of sabotaging a road construction project initiated by Hon. Bunmi Tunji Ojo in 2019. Roads connecting Okeagbe, Afin, Ese, Irun, and Ogbagi were allegedly halted due to Badmus’ interference with the state’s Ministry of Works. The Commissioner is also alleged to have misappropriated ₦15 million during the second-term campaign of former President Muhammadu Buhari, an act that reportedly brought embarrassment to Ward 9.
In the recent councilorship candidate selection, Hon. Badmus is accused of collecting ₦500,000 from aspirant Femi Oke in exchange for a party ticket, only to later hand the ticket to Kolade Joseph, reportedly a non-APC member who worked against the party in the last governorship election.
These actions have sparked widespread dissatisfaction among residents, who claim the Commissioner’s leadership has left Ward 9 without meaningful development or representation. The petition argue that his continued role in party and community affairs is detrimental to the area’s progress. “As a commissioner, he has failed to facilitate any meaningful development for our community. How can someone who doesn’t know his rights fight for the rights of others?”
The petitioners are appealing to the Ondo State Government and APC leadership to address these grievances and replace Hon. Badmus with a more competent representative. They are demanding justice for Femi Oke and transparency in future political appointments.
“We will not stop our physical and online protests until we achieve justice,” the petition concluded.
As of now, there has been no official response from Hon. Rasheed Badmus or the Ondo State Government. However, the outcry from Ese Akoko residents underscores growing frustration over political accountability and governance in the region.
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