The untimely death of Honorable Tayo Oluwatuyi, popularly known as Tuykana, the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, has not only plunged the state into mourning but also ignited a heated exchange of political accusations and counter-statements.
Hon. Oluwatuyi died in a tragic road accident while on a trip outside the state. The incident has brought to the fore pressing concerns about the state of infrastructure and governance in Ondo State, with some opposition parties using the tragedy to highlight systemic challenges.
In a press statement, Kunle Wizeman Ajayi, a former gubernatorial candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), criticized the Ondo State Government under Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa. He lamented the poor state of healthcare and road infrastructure, which he claimed contributed to Oluwatuyi’s death. Ajayi alleged that the absence of functional medical facilities and the dangerous condition of roads in Ondo State have created death traps for citizens.
He pointed out that Oluwatuyi had to be transported to medical facilities outside the state, such as Afe Babalola Teaching Hospital in Ado-Ekiti and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, where he eventually passed away. Ajayi condemned the state government’s focus on projects like the rebuilding of the Judiciary Complex at the expense of critical social infrastructure. He called for a state of emergency on healthcare, education, and roads in Ondo State, describing the government’s declaration of a three-day mourning period as insufficient and performative.
However, the Ondo State Government swiftly responded, condemning Ajayi’s statement as an opportunistic and insensitive politicization of a tragic loss. Olufemi Lawson, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, labeled Ajayi’s allegations as baseless and accused him of using Oluwatuyi’s death to score political points.
The government emphasized that Hon. Oluwatuyi was a dedicated public servant whose contributions to the state were significant and whose memory should not be tarnished by unfounded accusations. The statement highlighted Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to improving infrastructure and safeguarding the welfare of citizens. It also warned against attempts by political actors to disrupt the peace and security of the state.
The Ondo State Government assured citizens of its commitment to addressing challenges and reiterated its stance against those attempting to exploit tragedies for political gain.
Meanwhile, citizens and stakeholders continue to mourn the loss of Hon. Oluwatuyi, who was widely regarded as a devoted and selfless leader. Calls for improvements in healthcare and infrastructure have gained momentum, with many urging the government to prioritize these sectors to prevent further loss of lives.
0 comments: