— Alleged Secret Marriage Sparks Turmoil
— Gov Approves Recruitment of Teachers After Accusations, Counter Accusations
Ondo State’s political atmosphere has been fraught with tension following allegations that Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac, the Commissioner for Finance, has effectively seized control of the state’s governance under the leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The claims range from accusations of financial manipulation to sidelining influential political figures and allegedly influencing the Governor’s personal life.
The situation has sparked widespread unease, particularly as Ilaje youths through a statement signed by Igbalaye Enikanselu threaten to take to the streets today, February 3, 2025, demanding immediate action.
As concerns grow about the rumours, the Governor’s continued silence has only heightened speculation about the nature of the unfolding crisis.
One of the key elements of the controversy involves allegations that Mrs. Isaac has obstructed vital financial decisions, including the approval of over 3,000 budgeted files. Furthermore, an additional 1,000 files that had already received the Governor’s approval remain unfunded, stalling critical state projects.
These delays are said to have impacted key initiatives, such as the recruitment of teachers and health workers promises that had been a central focus of Aiyedatiwa’s administration. The ensuing frustration among contractors, civil servants, and political allies is palpable, with many expressing concern that governance has been deliberately obstructed.
Allegation of the Finance Commissioner’s growing power is further compounded by accusations of a political purge, with reports suggesting that she has systematically marginalised prominent figures who were crucial to Aiyedatiwa’s ascent to power. Sources claim that access to the Governor has been restricted, with some alleging that Mrs. Isaac’s influence has turned the Governor against his core supporters. One anonymous source remarked, “If you’re not in her camp, you’re out. The Governor listens to her more than anyone else.”
The most sensational aspect of the allegations is the suggestion that there is a romantic relationship between the Governor and Mrs. Isaac, with rumours circulating of a secret wedding planned for February 15, 2025. These claims have been denied by Mrs. Isaac’s supporters, but critics remain sceptical, insisting that her rising influence is more than coincidental.
The controversy deepens with the involvement of Mrs. Adeola Akintoye Fynes, said to have close ties to both the Governor and an aide, Engr. Olawoye Ayorinde, whom some alleged was appointed under Mrs. Isaac’s influence. Although these claims remain unverified, their persistence has raised eyebrows regarding the intersection of personal relationships and state governance.
The allegations extend beyond political influence and into the Governor’s private affairs, with claims that Mrs. Isaac has taken control of his security personnel and even replaced members of his household staff, ensuring that only those loyal to her remain close to the Governor. Although some government officials argue that security is a professional matter outside the purview of a Finance Commissioner, critics contend that these accusations should not be dismissed without investigation.
The most bizarre of the allegations involves suggestions that Mrs. Isaac’s influence over Aiyedatiwa may extend into the supernatural. “It’s as if he is under a spell,” claimed one political associate. While such statements may seem far-fetched, they underscore the growing belief among some quarters that an unseen force may be influencing the Governor’s actions.
As tensions mount, Ilaje youths have set a deadline (today) for intervention from the Governor’s family and local leaders. They have vowed to stage a mass protest if their demands are not met, with some suggesting that they will “liberate the Governor from captivity.” The growing crisis has left many wondering whether Aiyedatiwa will finally address the allegations or allow the Finance Commissioner’s alleged grip on power to continue unchecked.
Despite the severity of the allegations, Aiyedatiwa has remained conspicuously silent, further fuelling questions about his leadership. Some critics have suggested that his reluctance to address the claims indicates a loss of control over his administration, while others have questioned whether he is complicit in the unfolding power struggle. In any case, his silence has only added to the growing sense of unease in the state.
Meanwhile, the Irekari APC Youth Forum, Ose Local Government, Ondo State, has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, labelling them an attempt to undermine the Governor’s administration. They argue that the Finance Commissioner, Mrs. Isaac, has been unjustly vilified for her commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency.
The Irekari APC Youth Forum has voiced support for the Governor’s administration, stating that the accusations against Mrs. Isaac are a distraction from the state’s ongoing development. They emphasise that Aiyedatiwa has demonstrated leadership in promoting infrastructure, youth empowerment, and economic growth, despite the challenges faced by the state.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa is focused on delivering good governance and ensuring that public funds are used for the benefit of the people, not a select few,” the Forum stated, adding that the Governor remains fully in charge of the administration.
Meanwhile, Starnews NG reports that Yomisaint Adebayo, who addresses himself as a media strategist and PR professional, has also weighed in, dismissing the allegations against the Finance Commissioner as baseless attempts to discredit the administration. Adebayo pointed out the lack of credible evidence behind the accusations, questioning the motives of those spreading the claims. He stressed that the Governor’s leadership has been characterised by strategic governance and prudent financial management, with no signs of any stalling or abandonment of key programmes.
Adebayo further addressed the specific claims surrounding Mrs. Isaac, defending her actions as consistent with her role as Finance Commissioner. He suggested that the allegations stemmed from individuals who had been denied access to state resources for personal gain.
He also provided clarification on the incident involving Mr. Ayejuni Abel Orimisan, whose alleged misconduct had been captured on CCTV.
Adebayo refuted the claim that Mrs. Isaac was responsible for halting the processing of files, asserting that her actions were motivated by a desire to safeguard the state’s finances.
On their part, the National Union of Ilaje Youths, through its Public Relations Officer, Comr. Stephen L. Alade, strongly condemned the defamatory Facebook post directed at the State Commissioner for Finance. The Union made it clear that the individual behind the post, identified as Oluwaseun Ologuntere, is not a member of Ilaje Youths and does not represent their views. The group further urged security agencies to investigate the origin of the malicious post and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Following the allegations against the Finance Commissioner, the governor, on Monday, gave the nod for the approval of newly recruited teachers through the State Universal Basic Education Board. The recruitment process had been stalled for over six months.
The allegations against the Governor and his Finance Commissioner have caused considerable political upheaval in Ondo State. However, the continued support of the Governor’s allies and his commitment to good governance suggest that this controversy may be little more than a politically motivated campaign. For now, the people of Ondo State remain divided, with many hoping that the Governor will finally speak out and resolve the growing crisis. Until then, the state’s political future remains uncertain, Starnews NG can report.
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