By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi 

The 2025 Ondo State budget has ignited a firestorm of controversy, raising serious concerns over financial mismanagement, questionable allocations, and an alleged lack of transparency.

Touted as the “Budget of Recovery,” the N698 billion fiscal plan, signed into law by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is now under intense scrutiny following revelations of dubious expenses, including an unprecedented N11.5 billion security vote allocated to the Ministry of Finance.

As details of the budget emerge, public outcry has intensified, with citizens, civil society organisations, and opposition figures condemning what they describe as a blatant attempt to loot state resources.

Amid an economic climate marked by hardship, Ondo residents are questioning why their leaders appear more focused on extravagant perks than on meaningful governance.

A Budget Shrouded in Suspicion

Governor Aiyedatiwa initially presented a budget estimate of N655.23 billion to the Ondo State House of Assembly on December 10, 2024. However, lawmakers swiftly increased it by N43.4 billion, bringing the final figure to N698.659 billion. According to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, this increase was necessitated by economic realities, including the removal of fuel subsidies and fluctuating exchange rates.

The budget allocates N248.923 billion (37.9%) for recurrent expenditure and N406.307 billion (62.01%) for capital projects. Infrastructure development takes the largest share at N238.572 billion (36.40%), followed by public finance (N125.456 billion), education (N77.024 billion), and agriculture (N56.102 billion).

While these figures may suggest a development-driven agenda, a deeper examination reveals troubling irregularities, particularly in the extravagant allocations for government officials and the glaring omission of funding for key sectors.

Questionable Allocations and Lavish Spending

Among the most alarming revelations in the 2025 budget is the N11.5 billion security vote assigned to the Ministry of Finance, an anomaly that has left experts and citizens bewildered. Traditionally, security votes are reserved for the governor, who oversees the state’s security apparatus. The decision to grant a commissioner such an amount has fuelled suspicions of financial impropriety.

Other highly questionable allocations include: N250 million for honorarium and sitting allowances for the Finance Commissioner, Mrs Omowunmi Isaac. N462 million for the maintenance of lawmakers’ vehicles, despite their recent acquisition of brand-new SUVs.

N235 million for telephone calls, including N200 million for the House of Assembly, N28 million for the Speaker, and N7 million for the Deputy Speaker.

N791 million for local and international travel for lawmakers. N200 million for printing non-security documents for the House of Assembly.

N50 million for lawmakers’ refreshments and meals, plus an additional N25 million and N10 million for the Speaker, Rt Hon. Olamide Oladiji, and Deputy Speaker, Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan, respectively.

These allocations have sparked outrage, especially given the financial hardships faced by many Ondo residents. The staggering N200 million telephone allowance for the Speaker has been widely ridiculed, with critics noting that even with a 50% increase in call tariffs, it would take a non-stop, year-long phone call to reach such an amount.

Zero Allocation for Amotekun Sparks Public Anger

Even more concerning is the total absence of funding for the state’s security outfit, Amotekun. Despite repeated calls from lawmakers urging Governor Aiyedatiwa to strengthen the security agency in response to rising criminal activities, no funds were earmarked for its operations.

Instead, the Ministry of Finance is set to receive five Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) worth N120 million each. Many residents perceive this as a scheme to siphon funds rather than a genuine effort to enhance security. Critics argue that without adequate funding, Amotekun’s ability to safeguard lives and property will be severely compromised.

Public Outcry and Calls for Accountability

Ondo citizens have responded with fury to the budget revelations, describing them as a gross misplacement of priorities. Many argue that while lawmakers indulge in luxury, essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure remain underfunded.

A resident of Ondo City, Olufemi Adeala described the budget as an insult to the people, questioning why politicians should receive millions for personal expenses while public institutions are left unattended to. Similarly, Oke Daniels a trader in Akure, lamented that despite the huge allocations for lawmakers, their constituencies remain underdeveloped.

The Nigerian Anti-Corruption Network (NACN) has also condemned the budget, branding it an “affront to the sensibilities of Ondo citizens.” The group’s National President, Comrade Mike Aderosoye, described the N11.5 billion security vote as “a blatant attempt to loot public resources.” He urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the matter and hold those responsible accountable.

Opposition Labels Budget a “Looting Plan”

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a strong stance against the budget, calling it “unrealistic and designed for looting.” The party’s Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Peretei, criticised the N200 million phone expenses for lawmakers and the N11.5 billion security vote, declaring:

“No budget expert can explain the meaning of a security vote in a ministry. This budget prioritises wasteful spending over meaningful governance. The EFCC must investigate and ensure that public funds are not diverted through dubious means.”

Legal Experts Question the Legality of the Budget

Legal practitioners have also weighed in, questioning the legality of several budgetary provisions. Akure-based lawyer Femi Emmanuel Emodamori described the allocations as “scandalous, senseless, and tactless.” He particularly questioned the rationale behind the Speaker’s N200 million phone allowance, noting that even excessive usage would not justify such an amount.

Emodamori called for the immediate resignation of the Speaker and the Finance Commissioner, warning that failure to act on these allegations would further erode public trust in governance.

EFCC Launches Investigation

Amid mounting pressure, the EFCC has reportedly begun investigating the Ondo 2025 budget, focusing on the controversial N11.5 billion security vote. Sources indicate that anti-graft officials have since been visiting the state to verify budget details, suggesting that lawmakers may soon be summoned for questioning.

An EFCC insider revealed that the agency is particularly interested in determining whether such a security vote has ever been allocated to a ministry in previous budgets. “We are investigating whether this is an attempt to create an illegal funding channel,” the source stated, adding that the EFCC will not hesitate to take legal action if foul play is detected.

CPS Defends Allocation Details

The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, has dismissed the controversy surrounding Ondo State’s 2025 budget as unnecessary and baseless. Speaking to Nigerian Monitor, Adeniyan addressed allegations of mismanagement and criticism over specific budget allocations, which some have described as “obnoxious.”

Adeniyan explained that the misunderstanding of how budgets function was responsible for the uproar, stressing that budgets are projections, not fixed expenditures. “All over the world, a budget is an estimate of what’s projected by government within a fiscal year. It is subject to the availability of funds. Therefore, raising allegations of looting or mismanagement over mere projections in the budget is unwarranted,” he said.

He clarified the issue surrounding the Governor’s Security Vote being listed under the Ministry of Finance, which had drawn public scrutiny. Adeniyan said there was no wrongdoing, as the Ministry of Finance is tasked with disbursing funds to all government agencies, including the offices of the Governor and his deputy.

“The only situation where controversy would have been valid is if the Security Vote had appeared twice in the budget. But this isn’t the case,” he said. “Placing the Security Vote under the Ministry of Finance is simply an administrative process for fund disbursement.”

Adeniyan also addressed criticism of allocations in the budget for items such as phone calls and other perceived excesses tied to the Ondo State House of Assembly. He said the leadership of the House of Assembly would be in the best position to explain those allocations, adding that the Governor’s focus is on the overall efficiency and transparency of the budget process.

Speaking further, Adeniyan emphasized that the implementation of the budget is ultimately dependent on the availability of funds. He noted that the government retains the prerogative to reorder the budget if the need arises during the fiscal year.

“There’s no need to make a mountain out of a molehill,” Adeniyan said. “The focus should be on allowing Governor Aiyedatiwa to concentrate on his mandate of improving the lives of the people of Ondo State. Adjustments to budgetary allocations can be made if and when the need arises.”

He reassured citizens that the government remains committed to fiscal responsibility and ensuring that every expenditure aligns with its developmental goals. Adeniyan’s remarks come as the 2025 budget continues to spark public debate, with civil society groups questioning the rationale behind certain allocations. Whether the explanations provided will quell the controversy remains to be seen as the fiscal year progresses.

Ondo PDP Demands Sack of Finance Commissioner Over Budget Padding Allegations

The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the immediate dismissal of the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Isaac Omowunmi, following allegations of budget padding in the recently approved 2025 Appropriation Act.

In a statement issued on February 10, 2025, the PDP alleged that the budget contained several “scandalous” items under the Ministry of Finance, which have sparked public outcry over the past two weeks. Among the controversial allocations is an N11.5 billion security vote, which the party claims has not been adequately explained by the government of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The PDP also pointed to a provision of N250 million for honorarium and sitting allowances in the Ministry of Finance, describing it as a “padded item” designed for the personal enjoyment of the Commissioner.

Furthermore, the budget includes the procurement of a Toyota Prado SUV for the Commissioner at a cost of N230 million, which the party criticised as “insensitive” given the state’s economic challenges.

State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kennedy Ikantu Peretei, accused Mrs Omowunmi of abusing her position, stating that her credentials as a UK-trained accountant do not excuse the alleged financial mismanagement. The party demanded that Governor Aiyedatiwa take immediate action to sack the Commissioner, warning that failure to do so would lead to further steps to protect public funds.

The PDP also raised concerns about the lack of action from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which reportedly arrived in the state following the budget scandal.

Peretei criticised the government for overseeing a financial crisis while failing to address infrastructural decay, a collapsing healthcare system, and declining educational standards.

The party has vowed to continue pressing for accountability, arguing that the people of Ondo State deserve better governance and responsible management of public funds.

Lawmaker Silent on Assembly’s Role

In an effort to gather perspectives on the ongoing Ondo State 2025 budget controversy, a phone call was placed to Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation and Majority Leader of the Ondo State House of Assembly, at 10:48 a.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.

The conversation began: “Good morning, sir. Yes, I’m David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi, Editor-in-Chief of Nigerian Monitor. I just want to get a little bit of your reaction to the budget controversy as it relates to the House of Assembly. Thank you.”

However, the lawmaker abruptly ended the call without offering any response.

In a follow-up attempt, a text message was sent to him at 11:02 a.m.: ”Hon, I tried reaching you earlier, but you were tied up. I urgently need your thoughts on the Ondo State budget controversy, specifically regarding the House of Assembly’s involvement. Your prompt response would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Editor-in-Chief, Nigerian Monitor.”

Despite these efforts, Hon. Ogunmolasuyi neither returned the call nor responded to the message as of press time.

Budget Padding or Political Mischief?

The controversy surrounding Ondo’s 2025 budget has taken a dramatic turn with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alleging that the budget was padded.

On February 10, 2025, the PDP’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kennedy Ikantu Peretei, accused the government of inflating figures and called for the immediate dismissal of the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Isaac Omowumi.

However, the government has strongly refuted these claims, labelling them as political mischief aimed at misleading the public.

Reacting to the allegations, Allen Sowore, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Strategic Communication, described the accusations as baseless and a deliberate attempt to undermine the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Sowore, in a statement in Akure, emphasised that the claims lacked both historical and factual context. He accused the PDP of hypocrisy and misrepresentation, pointing out that many of the criticised budgetary practices were institutionalised during the PDP’s tenure in government.

Sowore dismissed the claim of an N11.5 billion security vote domiciled under the Ministry of Finance as a misrepresentation of a long-standing budgetary practice.

“It has always been the tradition in Ondo State to allocate funds for contingency expenses, security votes, committees, and commissions under the Ministry of Finance. These are state-wide votes, not specific allocations to the ministry, as the PDP misleadingly suggests,” he said.

Sowore noted that similar provisions existed in budgets from 2007 to 2013, when the PDP governed the state, and questioned why the party would suddenly find fault with a practice they had once upheld.

Addressing the N250 million allocated for honorariums and sitting allowances, Sowore explained that budgets are statements of intent, designed to accommodate potential expenditures during the fiscal year.

“This provision allows the government to cater to committees, commissions, and panels that may arise. It is a standard practice, yet the opposition is twisting it into something sinister,” he said.

The allegation of N230 million earmarked for a Toyota Prado SUV for the Commissioner for Finance also drew criticism from Sowore, who described it as sensationalism. He clarified that the budget figure was an estimate and any eventual purchase would be subject to the state’s procurement laws.

“No vehicle has been purchased yet, and when it is, it will adhere to all procurement regulations to ensure value for money,” he explained.

Sowore also highlighted that providing utility vehicles to commissioners is a standard practice that predates the current administration. “Under the PDP-led government of Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, several commissioners were provided with Toyota SUVs for official use. This is not new, and it is hypocritical for the PDP to now criticise it,” he added.

Aiyedatiwa’s SSA expressed concern over the PDP’s attempt to pin the budgeting process on a single individual, describing it as unfair and misguided. “The preparation of the budget is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the legislature, and other stakeholders. Singling out the Commissioner for Finance is nothing but a politically motivated attack,” he stated.

He reiterated that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration remains committed to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.

According to him, the 2025 budget was designed to consolidate developmental gains and address key priorities for the state.

“This administration is focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Ondo State. We will not be distracted by baseless allegations or political theatrics,” Sowore affirmed.

The Senior Special Assistant also criticised the PDP for engaging in what he described as hypocrisy and propaganda. “These budgetary practices were institutionalised during the PDP’s time in government. It is deceptive for them to now turn around and criticise the same system they established. This is not about governance or accountability; it is pure mischief,” he said.

Sowore called on the opposition to embrace constructive criticism and contribute meaningfully to governance rather than resorting to falsehoods.

“The people of Ondo State deserve an opposition that engages responsibly and offers solutions, not one that thrives on propaganda,” he concluded.

What Lies Ahead for Ondo State?

With the EFCC investigation apparently underway and public outrage at its peak, pressure continues to mount on Governor Aiyedatiwa and the Ondo State House of Assembly to provide transparency and accountability. Citizens are demanding a review of the budget to prioritise developmental projects over extravagant perks for politicians.

Whether this scandal will lead to genuine reform or be swept under the rug remains to be seen. But one thing is certain, the people of Ondo are watching closely, and they demand answers.