Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, remains committed to upholding local government autonomy while ensuring effective governance, says Yomi Oyekan, the Convener of ÓDÀTIWA Narratives. Oyekan addressed concerns raised by political analysts following the recent presentation of Toyota Hilux vehicles to newly sworn-in Local Government Chairmen in the state.

While public scrutiny is essential in a democratic setting, Oyekan emphasized the need to separate political speculation from factual governance matters.

LG Autonomy: A Framework of Accountability

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive on local government financial autonomy does not strip governors of their constitutional role in overseeing governance at all levels, Oyekan noted. He explained that local governments remain a crucial part of the state administration, requiring coordination to prevent financial mismanagement and ensure service delivery.

He clarified that financial autonomy does not equate to complete independence but guarantees LGs access to their allocations with transparency and legal oversight. According to him, Governor Aiyedatiwa has consistently upheld this principle, ensuring accountability in local government operations.

Hilux Vehicles: Enhancing LG Efficiency

Addressing concerns over the procurement of Hilux vehicles for LG Chairmen, Oyekan described it as a strategic investment in governance rather than a frivolous expense. He stressed that the vehicles would enable the new chairmen to oversee projects, respond to security issues, and engage with their constituencies effectively.

He further stated that the procurement was done through legally approved budgetary allocations without violating financial regulations. Instead of politicizing the issue, he urged critics to focus on how local governments can deliver meaningful results under the Aiyedatiwa administration.

Governance Beyond Populist Criticism

While acknowledging the need to prioritize infrastructure, healthcare, and workers’ welfare, Oyekan maintained that governance is a multi-faceted responsibility. He argued that providing local government administrators with the tools necessary for efficiency should not be undermined by political criticism.

“Rather than questioning a transparent and necessary procurement, a more constructive approach would be to examine how LGs are being empowered to serve the people effectively,” he said.

According to Oyekan, Governor Aiyedatiwa remains committed to development-focused governance, with ongoing projects across critical sectors in the state.

Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

Oyekan dismissed insinuations that the vehicle procurement could attract anti-corruption scrutiny, describing such claims as baseless. He reiterated that Ondo State has always adhered to financial management regulations and remains accountable in all expenditures.

“The EFCC’s warning is a general advisory to all states, not a direct indictment of Ondo State. This administration has nothing to hide and welcomes any review of its financial practices,” he affirmed.

Aiyedatiwa’s Focus on Purposeful Governance

Governor Aiyedatiwa, according to Oyekan, is not engaged in a contest of power with the Federal Government but is committed to collaborative governance that strengthens all levels of administration. He reiterated that local government autonomy does not weaken state leadership but ensures better resource management for the people’s benefit.

“For those who seek clarity, the facts remain:

✅ LG funds are not controlled by the Governor but managed in line with legal provisions.
✅ The vehicle procurement was budgeted, approved, and necessary for effective governance.
✅ Ondo State remains committed to transparency and financial accountability.

Governor Aiyedatiwa will continue to prioritize people-centered governance, ensuring both sustainable development and efficient administration at all levels,” he concluded.