EXCLUSIVE: Governor Aiyedatiwa Approves ₦3.7 Billion Park Upgrade Amid Criticism Over Misplaced Priorities

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has awarded a ₦3.69 billion contract for the upgrade and vertical enhancement of Chief Reuben Fasoranti Park in Akure, sparking controversy amid concerns over the state’s financial priorities.

According to an official circular obtained by SaharaReporters, the contract was approved during the first State Executive Council meeting of 2025, held on April 16. The project was awarded to Rosco Resources Nigeria Limited and is slated for completion within 12 months.

Titled “Upgrading and Vertical Enhancement of Landscape of Chief Reuben Fasoranti Park,” the project is part of the state’s urban renewal initiative, aimed at transforming the park into a modern, eco-friendly recreational space. The contract is worth ₦3,687,989,927.78 and includes a performance-based payment plan. The contractor must confirm acceptance within 14 days of receiving the award notice.

However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from residents and civic groups who accuse the administration of ignoring more urgent needs, including unpaid salaries, stalled infrastructure projects, and rising insecurity.

More Controversial Spending: ₦8.2 Billion for Cabinet Residences

The park upgrade is not the only big-ticket project approved recently. At the same Executive Council meeting, the state also approved an ₦8.2 billion contract for the construction of 32 luxury four-bedroom terrace residences for cabinet members in Akure. The contract was awarded to Cosgrave Investment Ltd, an Abuja-based firm, with an 18-month completion timeline. Each unit is valued at ₦281 million.

Critics argue that the funds could have been used to construct over 200 units of affordable housing for civil servants, teachers, or healthcare workers across the state’s 18 LGAs.

Governance Under Scrutiny

Despite these massive expenditures, the Aiyedatiwa administration has appointed only two commissioners so far, raising concerns over transparency and oversight. Critics say several key projects from the previous administration, such as the Oda Road, Ijoka Road, and the Onyearugbulem Flyover, remain abandoned.

“The government is behaving like a secret cult,” said one Akure-based political analyst. “There’s no public disclosure of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), federal allocations, or actual spending. Even the federal government provides monthly reports—why not Ondo?”

Residents have also reported deterioration in public services. Shuttle buses in many LGAs are grounded due to poor maintenance, and security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps and police, are reportedly underfunded despite regular federal allocations and security votes.

Citizens Demand Accountability

One resident questioned the use of the monthly security vote, stating, “What exactly is the governor doing with the money?” Another pointed to the widely criticized women's empowerment program, which offered ₦35,000 each to 1,000 women. “That doesn’t even cover household groceries for a month,” she said.

With transparency issues mounting, some residents are calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the state’s financial management.

Attempts to reach the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, for comment were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered.