The Ondo State Government has raised the alarm over what it described as a disturbing and well-coordinated campaign of blackmail, cyber bullying, and misinformation targeted at the State Governor, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and other senior officials.
According to the government, the smear campaign is being orchestrated by a handful of individuals, including two legal practitioners, who have allegedly resorted to malicious propaganda after failing to secure political appointments, contracts, and financial favours from the administration.
In a statement issued at the weekend by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, the government disclosed that the individuals recently demanded a staggering sum of ₦200 million under the guise of offering “support” for the Governor through a fraudulent and unregistered organization.
“Upon the administration’s refusal to yield to this extortion attempt, they allegedly launched a series of coordinated online attacks aimed at discrediting Governor Aiyedatiwa and the Attorney General of the State with baseless allegations and ridicule”, he said
Ajanaku described the actions as a calculated attempt to distract a government focused on transparency, accountability, and people-oriented development.
He emphasized that the Aiyedatiwa administration remains open to constructive criticism rooted in truth and fairness but will not tolerate cyber harassment, deliberate misinformation, or politically motivated blackmail disguised as activism.
He went on, “The administration has shut its doors firmly against political opportunists and rent-seekers who see governance as a means of personal enrichment,”
Ajanaku said. “Governor Aiyedatiwa remains steadfast in delivering good governance and upholding the democratic values that define our Sunshine State. No amount of propaganda or online blackmail will derail our commitment to the people.”
The statement further warned that the government would invoke the full weight of the law against anyone found guilty of spreading falsehood, engaging in extortion, or attempting to blackmail public officials. Such acts, it said, constitute serious offences under the Cybercrime Act and related laws.
Reaffirming the administration’s resolve to protect the image of the state, Ajanaku stated that Ondo State belongs to all and will not be dragged into disrepute by a few desperate individuals.
“Enough is enough,” he declared. “We will continue to defend truth, uphold integrity, and safeguard the reputation of our dear Sunshine State from the forces of deceit and political desperation.”
