The debate over the financial direction of Ondo State has taken a new dimension as a former Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Mrs. Yetunde Adefua, called for an urgent review of the leadership and operations of the Ministry of Finance.
Adefua, in a strongly worded statement shared on her Facebook page, urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to take decisive steps towards addressing what she described as deep-rooted challenges affecting financial management and the overall performance of government.
The former aide said her decision to speak publicly was a difficult one, noting that while issues of governance are better addressed privately, there comes a time when remaining silent could negatively affect the interest of both government and citizens.
She insisted that her intervention was not a personal attack on the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac, but rather a call for accountability, improved fiscal management and stronger economic planning for the state.
Adefua accused the current financial structure of contributing to delays in government activities, claiming that some ministries, departments and agencies have faced difficulties due to what she described as inadequate and untimely funding.
She alleged that delays in the implementation of approvals, slow release of funds, outstanding payments to contractors, challenges with development projects and reduced support for government programmes have affected the pace of governance.
The former aide also raised concerns over the state’s internally generated revenue drive, arguing that Ondo State has not fully maximised its economic opportunities despite its abundant resources and strategic advantages.
She further expressed worry over the impact of financial constraints on political appointees, workers’ training, rural infrastructure, agricultural programmes and other areas of government responsibility.
According to her, the 2026 budget should have a stronger reflection of Ondo State’s economic strength and potential, adding that better planning and execution could position the state among the leading economies in Nigeria.
Adefua appealed to Governor Aiyedatiwa to carry out a comprehensive and unbiased assessment of the Ministry of Finance, stressing that any necessary reforms should be implemented in the best interest of the people.
Her latest statement follows an earlier Facebook post where she announced plans to lead a massive protest calling for the removal of the Finance Commissioner, a move that has continued to generate public discussion across the state.
She maintained that her actions were motivated by her desire to see the Aiyedatiwa administration succeed, describing constructive criticism as a responsibility of those who genuinely care about good governance.
The state government and the Ministry of Finance have not, however, issued an official reaction to the claims made by the former aide.
