— Urges Focus on Good Governance

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

A socio-political group, the Ondo South Youths Forum (OSYF), has cautioned the political appointees of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa against creating unnecessary enemies for him, urging them to allow the governor to focus on delivering good governance.

In a statement signed by its coordinator, Barr. Kingsley Omogbehin, the group advised Governor Aiyedatiwa to remain focused on governance and to be mindful of certain members of his cabinet who are more interested in gaining cheap popularity than serving the people effectively.

Omogbehin expressed concern over reports of a conflict between one of Aiyedatiwa’s commissioners and a serving minister in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“We are warning the commissioner to fight his battle alone and not drag the governor into it, thereby creating unnecessary enemies for him,” the statement read.

The group reminded Governor Aiyedatiwa of the crucial role played by this minister in ensuring his political survival, particularly during the impeachment saga, and stressed that his administration should focus on governance rather than engaging in personal vendettas.

“Aiyedatiwa should forever be grateful to this particular minister for the support before and during the election, particularly during the impeachment crisis. Without God and such persons like the said minister, Aiyedatiwa wouldn’t have become governor, and his commissioner wouldn’t have been appointed either,” the group added.

The OSYF also criticized some of the governor’s aides for assuming the role of the state’s Commissioner for Information, issuing press statements instead of focusing on their designated responsibilities.

“This is unacceptable. We are not a ‘Banana Republic,’” the group stated.

Furthermore, the group accused some Aiyedatiwa aides of being insincere politicians who lack true commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that many of them had worked against the party’s interest during the 2022 APC presidential primary.

“We are aware of the roles many of these aides played during the APC presidential primary in 2022, and we warn them not to bring their fake lives to Ondo State. They are nothing but bootlickers.”

While advising the governor to remain focused on governance, the OSYF urged him to prioritize developmental projects rather than allow distractions from his aides.

“Dear Mr. Governor, it is time to hit the ground running and distance yourself from distractions. You only have four years, and your impact on the lives of the people and your legacy projects will be what the people remember about you,” Omogbehin stated.

The group also lamented the lack of government presence in Ondo South Senatorial District, despite the governor hailing from the area. They noted that the last time the district experienced significant development was during the administration of the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu.

As a solution, the OSYF urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to include the Ore-Okitipupa-Ilaje road dualization project in the next state budget to drive development in the district.