…Seeks Tinubu’s, APC National Leadership’s Intervention
A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Otunba Agboola Alfred Kelly, has challenged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration to be more transparent in implementing local government autonomy across the state.
Otunba Kelly, who is the Coordinator of the APC Elders Movement for Tinubu 2027, was reacting to a statement credited to Hon. Jimi Akintunde, popularly known as Jimi Ok, a Special Assistant to Governor Aiyedatiwa.
In a statement titled “Setting the Record Straight on Local Government Autonomy in Ondo State,” Otunba Kelly expressed concern that statutory allocations meant for the 18 local government areas have not been fully released, contrary to the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024, judgment and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive on local government autonomy.
“The people of Ondo State deserve clarity. While governance continues at the state level, local government workers, primary school teachers, traditional rulers, and rural communities still await the full benefits of the autonomy judgment,” he said.
While commending the ALGON Chairman’s public defense of the governor, Kelly noted that transparency and accountability must remain central to the administration’s handling of local government finances.
He also extended an open invitation to Governor Aiyedatiwa and Hon. Jimi Ok for a constructive public dialogue on the matter, saying:
“I invite the Governor and his aide to a respectful public dialogue anywhere, anytime, on the implementation of local government autonomy. Let us present facts, figures, and progress reports so the people can judge for themselves.”
Otunba Kelly further appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national leadership of the APC to intervene, urging them to ensure that the Ondo State Government fully complies with the court’s ruling and the President’s directive.
“This is not about individuals or political camps; it’s about delivering the dividends of democracy to the grassroots. The APC stands for transparency, good governance, and the welfare of our people. We must work together to strengthen our party and our state,” Kelly concluded.
