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…Rejects Reopened Allegations, Calls Them Desperate Tactics Ahead of 2024 Elections

The AgboFessy Independent Media Group has dismissed as politically motivated the recent calls to reopen a case involving allegations of forgery, exam malpractice, and perjury against its principal, Alfred Agboola Ajayi. The allegations, which date back to 2021, were previously addressed and conclusively settled by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

In a statement issued by the group, the organization described the renewed claims as a “desperate and jittery attempt” by opposition forces to distract the people of Ondo State from the real issues facing the state as the 2024 elections approach. The statement referred to the case file number SC/CV/549/2021, in which Senator Nicholas Tofowomo had previously challenged Agboola Ajayi’s eligibility following the PDP’s senatorial primary. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of Ajayi, dismissing the allegations as without merit.

“These allegations were fully resolved by the highest court in the land,” the statement read. “There is no new development in this case, and any attempt to bring it up now is merely a political distraction. It is a sign of desperation as defeat stares them in the face.”

The group stressed that the people of Ondo State are focused on what truly matters – good governance, accountability, and a vision for progress. According to the statement, the opposition’s efforts to revive old claims are nothing more than a futile attempt to shift attention away from the shortcomings of the current administration.

“The electorate is more interested in securing a better future for Ondo State, not in false narratives and unfounded claims,” the statement continued. “The people are resolute in their desire for change, and they will not be swayed by lies or propaganda.”

The AgboFessy Independent Media Group reiterated its commitment to tackling the pressing issues facing the state, such as improving healthcare, education, infrastructure, and job creation. The statement called on Ondo State citizens to stay focused on the real concerns of the election, urging them to reject divisive tactics and support a candidate who prioritizes their well-being and prosperity.

As the 2024 gubernatorial race heats up, Agboola Ajayi’s campaign maintains that the future of Ondo State lies in good leadership, transparency, and the restoration of accountability – values the campaign believes the people of Ondo are eager to embrace. 

The statement concluded by expressing confidence that the opposition’s attempts to derail Ajayi’s campaign would fail, as Ondo citizens are determined to reject distractions and continue their push for a brighter, more prosperous future under the leadership of Agboola Ajayi.

The administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has again found itself embroiled in another major misappropriation scandal. The mismanagement of Ondo State’s scholarship fund, which is now dubbed #NAOSSGate, comes after the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Hon. Kelvin Solomon Olaoluwa, leaked ‘official’ receipts showing how large sums of money intended for scholarships were diverted into the pockets of political cronies. 

The leaked documents were meant to serve as a weapon in an escalating feud between Olaoluwa and the President of the National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS), Hammed Oyelade. The feud allegedly centers on disputes over the sharing formula for the syphoned scholarship funds, with Oyelade, a major beneficiary of the misallocation, accused of hoarding and distributing the funds unfairly among his allies.

Hon. Kelvin Solomon Olaoluwa, the SSA to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, appears to have shared the receipts out of spite. This follows reports of fisticuffs between Olaoluwa and Oyelade somewhere in Akure, the Ondo State capital on Thursday. The former accuses Oyelade of hijacking the process and unfairly distributing scholarship funds to his personal allies.

Allegedly, a significant portion of the funds has found its way into the hands of Oyelade’s inner circle, fueling the fight over the funds’ sharing formula. In retaliation of the reported slap he received from the NAOSS President, Olaoluwa leaked the receipts of how Oyelade received funds meant for the payment of bursaries.

The shocking manner they withdrew the funds has further exposed the arbitrary breach of trust and lack of transparency within the Aiyedatiwa administration. The leak not only revealed the deep levels of corruption within the administration but has also shown the personal rivalries that threaten to derail any genuine efforts to support education in the State. While both Olaoluwa and Oyelade remain embroiled in their personal conflict, the real victims in this saga are the students, who are left with broken promises and a tarnished scholarship system.

…My advocacy for good governance is driven by love for Ekiti’s development 

…I have no grudges against the government; I just want things done correctly

…My brother blocked me for two years during his administration

Media personality and social commentator Prince Isaac Fayose has clarified that his recent criticisms of governance in Ekiti are not politically motivated or in support of any political candidate. He stated that he has no interest in running for office but cares deeply about how the state is managed.

“I have no political ambition, now or at any time, and I am not supporting anyone for governor. I simply love what I do, but Ekiti must be properly developed,” he emphasized.

The businessman made this statement while responding to questions on Let’s Talk, an interactive show on Trumpeters TV, an online television platform on Facebook. Prince Fayose highlighted that the poor condition of the roads leading into Ekiti will make it difficult for any government’s development policy to have a noticeable impact or attract investors to the state.

“How can development thrive when access to Ekiti is so difficult? What is the point of the development the government claims to be doing if people, tourists, or investors cannot even access the state smoothly? All roads leading into Ekiti are in terrible condition. Is it only the people living there who are meant to benefit from the government’s initiatives? For instance, if the government wants to promote tourism at Ikogosi, how can they expect people to visit if the roads are this bad?” he asked.

Fayose criticized Ekiti’s political officeholders, including senators, representatives, and even the state’s minister, for neglecting infrastructure. “It’s a shame that these people in government are not concerned about the roads. They sit there in Abuja and cannot do anything but keep saying it’s federal roads. They should be embarrassed,” he stated.

Fayose expressed frustration over the state’s Agro-Allied Cargo Airport, which, despite substantial public funds invested, has not become operational. “I am counting down the 60 days the government gave me for the airport to start functioning. A lot of public funds went into that project, yet it has remained non-functional for two years after it was commissioned.

“Ekiti is an agrarian state; the government should encourage mechanized farming and ensure the airport is operational. This way, we could export agricultural products—imagine seeing Ekiti vegetables in London,” he said.

When asked about former governors already endorsing Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for a second term, Prince Fayose noted that it is premature. “The governor has only been in office for two years, and I don’t feel he has delivered at an optimal level. Ekiti’s allocations are higher than they used to be, but for me, the projects do not match the state’s present resources,” he observed.

Fayose went on to criticize his brother, former governor Ayodele Fayose, for what he called the “inactive state” of the opposition PDP in Ekiti. He remarked, “I think it is wicked and wrong when you assist another party to make the one you belong to ineffective. My brother rendered the PDP useless by supporting BAO, a governor from a supposed opposition to his own party.”

Responding to critics who claimed he benefited from the government when his brother was governor, Prince Fayose offered a 50 million naira reward to anyone who could prove this rumour. He said, “I didn’t get anything from my brother during his time as governor. He even blocked me completely for two years, so I couldn’t even talk to him on the phone. Those saying otherwise don’t know what they’re talking about.”

He also urged the governor to implement the new minimum wage as soon as possible, pointing out that workers’ salaries are insufficient to meet basic needs. Fayose criticized the Ekiti State House of Assembly members for planning a trip to Canada, suggesting they consider visiting China instead to learn about practical industrialization models that could benefit Ekiti.

“The Assembly members claim they’re not using government funds for the trip, but the fact that they sought government approval and planned to travel with their spouses raises questions. If they’re not using state money, why involve the government at all? I doubt any of them has 20 million naira in their account to fund such expenses,” Fayose concluded.

Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo’s prolonged and conspicuous absence from Ondo State since his appointment as Nigeria’s Minister of Interior is an affront to the people of the State who are in dire need of infrastructural improvements, security interventions, and economic opportunities. As the representative of Ondo State in the Federal Executive Council (FEC), BTO’s indifference to the very state he is meant to champion is nothing short of a betrayal to his constituency.

With Ondo State consistently grappling with critical issues, it would seem natural that a Minister hailing from the state and entrusted with a pivotal portfolio like the Ministry of Interior would seize every opportunity to uplift his people. Yet, Tunji-Ojo appears to be either unwilling or unable to bring about tangible progress for Ondo State, despite his supposed influence within the Nigerian Presidency. His silence and physical absence from the state he is meant to advocate for signal a gross disregard for his responsibilities.

A Minister representing a state at the federal level has a dual responsibility: to serve the nation and, immeasurably, to ensure his immediate constituents’ needs are met. However, Hon. Tunji-Ojo’s failure to visit Ondo since assuming office conveys an alarming detachment. By failing to remain in touch with the realities on the ground, he is effectively turning his back on the very people whose welfare are entrusted to him. One would be hopeful that with his presence in Tinubu’s administration, federal influence would finally translate to development within Ondo. Yet, to date, not a single meaningful project has been facilitated by him in the state, an appalling record that speaks volumes about his priorities and a complete misalignment with the pressing needs of Ondo people.

By Wándé T. Àjàyí, Akure, Ondo State.