Governor Aiyedatiwa: Walking the Tightrope of LG Autonomy and Effective Governance – Yomi Oyekan
It is important to address the concerns raised by Political Speculators regarding the recent presentation of Toyota Hilux vehicles to newly sworn-in Local Government Chairmen in Ondo State. While public scrutiny of governance is welcome, it is equally necessary to separate political assumptions from factual realities.
1. LG Financial Autonomy: Understanding the Framework
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive on local government financial autonomy does not strip governors of their constitutional role in ensuring effective governance at all levels. Local governments remain an integral part of state administration, and coordination between the state and LGs is essential to prevent financial mismanagement and ensure service delivery.
Financial autonomy does not equate to absolute independence. It means that LGs have the right to access and manage their allocations transparently, but with proper oversight as required by law. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has consistently upheld this principle, ensuring that LGs operate within a structure that guarantees accountability.
2. The Hilux Vehicles: An Investment in Governance
The provision of Hilux vehicles is not a wasteful expenditure; rather, it is a strategic investment to enhance grassroots governance. Newly elected LG Chairmen need functional mobility to oversee projects, respond to security concerns, and engage with their constituencies effectively.
To clarify, these vehicles were procured through legally approved budgetary allocations, with no violation of financial regulations. Those seeking to politicize this issue should instead focus on the broader question: How do we ensure that local governments deliver results? Governor Aiyedatiwa remains committed to ensuring that LG resources are used for the benefit of the people, not for political patronage or frivolous spending.
3. Governance is Beyond Populism
While it is easy to criticize decisions based on assumptions, leadership demands responsibility. The call for prioritizing infrastructure, healthcare, and workers’ welfare is valid. However, effective governance is not a one-dimensional pursuit investments in infrastructure and welfare must go hand in hand with providing LG administrators with the tools they need to function.
Rather than questioning a transparent and necessary procurement, a more constructive approach would be to examine how LGs, under the Aiyedatiwa administration, are being empowered to serve the people effectively. The Governor has demonstrated his commitment to development-focused governance, with ongoing projects across critical sectors.
4. Transparency & Anti-Corruption Compliance
It is worth noting that Ondo State has always operated within the legal framework regarding financial management. The insinuation that this initiative might attract anti-corruption scrutiny is baseless. Governor Aiyedatiwa remains a firm advocate of transparency, and every expenditure undertaken by his administration is subjected to due process.
EFCC’s warning is not a direct indictment of Ondo State but a general advisory to all states. This administration has nothing to hide and welcomes any review of its financial practices. Accountability is not a threat it is a standard that Governor Aiyedatiwa upholds.
Final Note: Governance With Purpose
Governor Aiyedatiwa is not in a contest of power with the Federal Government; he is committed to collaborative governance that ensures that all levels of government function optimally. Local government autonomy is not about weakening state leadership but about ensuring that resources are well-managed for the people’s benefit.
For those who seek clarity, the facts remain:
✅ LG funds are not controlled by the Governor, but managed in line with legal provisions.
✅ The vehicle procurement was budgeted, approved, and necessary for effective governance.
✅ Ondo State remains committed to transparency and financial accountability.
Governor Aiyedatiwa will continue to prioritize people-centered governance, focusing on both sustainable development and functional administration at all levels.
The people of Ondo State deserve good governance, not unnecessary distractions.
Yòmí Oyékàn
Convener ÓDÀTIWA Narratives
