COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED BY THE LEADERSHIP OF OWO REFORMATION INITIATIVE (ORI) AT THE END OF THEIR MEETING HELD AT VICTOBELL HOTEL, OWO, ON THE BASELESS ATTACK ON MR. GOVERNOR AND THE HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER FOR FINANCE
Arising from an extraordinary consultative assembly convened on the 10th day of February 2025 at Victobell Hotel, Owo, the leadership of Owo Reformation Initiative, (ORI), having undertaken a dispassionate assessment of recent reprehensible and politically motivated attempts to assail the integrity of His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, Executive Governor of Ondo State and Mrs. Wumi Isaac, Honourable Commissioner for Finance, hereby issues the following resolutions:
- Unreserved Condemnation of Baseless Attacks
The leadership of Owo Reformation Initiative unequivocally denounces the malicious and insidious propaganda aimed at disparaging the Governor and the Honourable Commissioner for Finance.
These unwarranted and politically orchestrated assaults are manifestations of intellectual deficiency and desperate political brinkmanship, calculated to incite disaffection and derail governance.
- Reaffirmation of the Legitimacy of the Budget Process
It is preposterous and logically defective to malign the Honourable Commissioner for Finance over a budget meticulously scrutinized, debated and ratified through due legislative and executive processes.
The State Executive Council, the House Committee on Appropriation and the full complement of the 26 Honourable Members of the Ondo State House of Assembly diligently examined and sanctioned the budget, rendering any attack on the Commissioner an exercise in political illiteracy and deliberate misinformation.
Furthermore, it is a glaring contradiction that members of the opposition, specifically those within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who actively participated in the appropriation process and sanctioned the budget, are now instigating unwarranted controversy. It is equally perplexing that the ire of these political agitators is directed at the Commissioner for Finance rather than the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning who is the actual architect of the budget. This calculated misdirection underscores the insincerity of their outcry, revealing a desperate attempt to politicize a procedural matter. Owo Reformation Initiative categorically denounce this diversionary narrative and reaffirm their unwavering support for the administration’s commitment to transparency, due process and the seamless execution of governance devoid of baseless distractions.
- Attack on SUV budgeted for Honourable commissioner for finance is uncalled for
The appropriation of funds within a budget remains a mere proposal until duly scrutinized and approved by the legislative arm. It is a standard practice that certain commissioners, by virtue of their portfolios and operational exigencies are allocated official vehicles to enhance their efficiency in service delivery. This prerogative extends to key ministries such as Justice, Finance, Works and in some instances, the Office of the Chief of Staff. In the specific case of the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Wumi Isaac, it is imperative to underscore that, since assuming office, she has diligently discharged her duties using her privately procured SUV which surpasses the specifications of the one budgeted for by the state. It is, therefore, an exercise in futility for detractors to selectively malign her, particularly when this budgetary provision aligns with long-established governance protocols. - Attack on the budget for the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic is undemocratic
The leadership of Owo Reformation Initiative unequivocally condemns the misguided and ethnically divisive rhetoric recently propagated in the public domain, which is emblematic of intellectual dishonesty and a desperate attempt at historical revisionism. The attempt to misrepresent the rehabilitation of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, an institution owned and funded by the Ondo State Government as an undue favour to Owo is not only a manifestation of cognitive bankruptcy but also a calculated effort to incite discord. Where were these wailers when the institution was plunged into the dungeon of financial ruin, abandoned to rot for years? It is both unreasonable and unpatriotic to now open the worm of attack on a government that has considered it wise to revive the dying spirit of the oldest tertiary institution in the state. Owo remains a formidable political stronghold, distinguished by its unwavering commitment to democratic ideals and the advancement of Ondo State. We, therefore, warn detractors against further attempts to delegitimize our political relevance as governance must be anchored on equity and developmental imperatives rather than the parochial whims of a disgruntled few.
- Vote of Confidence on Mr. Governor and the Honourable Commissioner
The leadership of Owo Reformation Initiative unanimously reaffirms its unwavering confidence in the administration of His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, commending his steadfast dedication to the infrastructural, economic and socio-political advancement of Ondo State.
Similarly, we declare our unflinching solidarity with Mrs. Wumi Isaac, acknowledging her fiscal prudence, accountability and sound economic stewardship which have positively impacted the financial trajectory of the state.
- Warning to Political Saboteurs and Purveyors of Falsehood
The leadership issues a stern and final warning to political desperados, mischief-makers and self-appointed watchdogs who have taken undue liberties in propagating unfounded allegations and divisive rhetoric.
Should they persist in their treacherous endeavours, they shall meet their political Waterloo as the forces of truth and progress will invariably obliterate their nefarious machinations.
- Reaffirmation of Support for Good Governance
We reiterate our steadfast commitment to the advancement of Owo, Ondo State and the greater democratic cause ensuring that governance remains a vehicle for development rather than a platform for juvenile theatrics and mendacious propaganda.
The leadership of Owo Reformation Initiative shall not remain passive while political mercenaries attempt to derail the trajectory of progress championed by this administration.
Dated this 10th day of February 2025.
Signed:
- Chief (Dr.) Alex Ajipe
- Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi (Majority Leader)
- Hon. Renike Witherspoon
- Hon. Tunde Owadimibola
- Hon. Samuel Balogun (Chairman, Owo Local Government)
- Hon. Tope Omolayo (Elected Chairman, Owo LGA)
- Mr. Kunle Lawal Odide
- Pastor. Olugbenga Olumolawa
