The National Rebirth Agenda, a national group, has dismissed the Ondo Redemption Front (ORF) as a politically motivated pressure group allegedly commissioned to undermine the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, urging the governor to remain focused on governance and the development of the state.
In a statement on Sunday by Dr Bala Al-Majeed, it’s National President, the group said the latest criticism of Aiyedatiwa’s administration was another attempt to create unnecessary political tension in Ondo State and distract the governor from the delivery of projects across key sectors.
The group said rather than attacking the governor over issues that were already being addressed, those behind the ORF should acknowledge the administration’s record in infrastructure, education, healthcare, water supply, agriculture and economic development.
According to the National Rebirth Agenda, Aiyedatiwa’s administration had recorded significant progress in road construction and rehabilitation, with about 190 kilometres of roads delivered or under development, alongside investments in rural roads and urban infrastructure. It said major projects such as the Akure-Idanre road and other strategic corridors were strengthening connectivity across the state.
“The people of Ondo State can see the difference between political noise and actual governance. Governor Aiyedatiwa inherited challenges, but he has chosen to confront them through projects that directly affect the lives of ordinary people. Roads are being constructed, schools are being renovated, healthcare facilities are being expanded and water projects are being revived. This is not an administration that has abandoned governance,” the group said.
It also cited the governor’s investments in education, including the recruitment of 2,100 teachers, payment of WAEC fees for more than 23,000 students, scholarships for thousands of tertiary students and the renovation of 134 primary and 60 secondary schools.
The group said the administration’s healthcare programme was equally deserving of recognition, noting the upgrade of more than 100 primary healthcare centres and the approval of new hospital facilities across Ikare-Akoko, Ore, Okitipupa, Igbokoda and other locations.
“An administration that is simultaneously expanding healthcare infrastructure, investing in schools, improving roads and addressing water supply cannot honestly be presented as doing nothing. Constructive criticism is welcome, but deliberately ignoring these achievements to create the impression of failure is dishonest and politically motivated,” it said.
The National Rebirth Agenda also highlighted the administration’s efforts to address the state’s water challenges, including the rehabilitation of the Owena Dam Water Supply Project and other water schemes. The Owena intervention is expected to improve access to reliable water for residents across several local government areas.
It said Aiyedatiwa’s efforts to attract private investment should equally be encouraged, pointing to the signing of agreements for a deep-sea port and a proposed $4 billion petrochemical and fertiliser plant as evidence of the administration’s attempt to move the state towards a stronger productive economy.
The group therefore challenged the sponsors of what it described as the “anti-Aiyedatiwa campaign” to redirect their resources towards supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 and allow the governor to concentrate on delivering his mandate.
“Those financing these needless campaigns should ask themselves what Ondo State gains from permanent political warfare. If their concern is truly development, they should support the governor’s efforts and channel their energy and resources towards strengthening the Tinubu administration and securing the continuity of the reforms that are benefiting the states,” it said.
The group urged Aiyedatiwa to remain focused on his OUR EASE agenda, deepen his relationship with the federal government and continue attracting projects and investments to Ondo State.
It said the governor’s relationship with Tinubu should be viewed as an opportunity for Ondo to secure more federal interventions, rather than as a basis for political confrontation.
“The Governor should not be distracted. His responsibility is to govern, deliver projects and improve the lives of Ondo people. Those who have political ambitions should wait for the appropriate time, while those who claim to speak for the people should allow the people to judge the administration by what they can see on the ground,” the group said.
