Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has sparked a controversy by appointing 344 personal assistants just months ahead of the November 16, 2024 governorship election.
This move, widely seen as politically motivated, has drawn mixed reactions from political figures and citizens.
The appointees, selected from the state's 18 local government areas and 203 wards, were announced without specific portfolios by his spokesman, Ebenezer Adeniyan, at the weekend.
Critics argue that these appointments serve to bolster the governor's influence across the state ahead of the election, where 17 gubernatorial candidates, including Aiyedatiwa, are vying for office.
Many see the appointments as excessive, particularly in light of the country's current economic difficulties, including rising food prices and fuel costs.
Dotun Adegoroye, a legal practitioner, criticised the appointments, accusing the governor of prioritising political gains over the welfare of the people and placing a financial burden on the state.
Adegoroye remarked, "This is an unconscionable ensemble of appointees aimed at political advantage rather than meaningful governance."
Similarly, social commentator, Tope Adeyemi condemned the appointments as unnecessary, urging the governor to reduce the size of his administration and focus on cutting wasteful expenditure.
According to Adeyemi, reducing government spending would allow the state to allocate more funds to crucial development projects.
However, the state's Attorney General, Olukayode Ajulo (SAN) defended the appointments, describing them as a step towards inclusivity and fairness. Ajulo argued that the appointees, who are experienced professionals, would enhance governance and ensure efficient resource utilisation.
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In contrast, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) slammed the appointments, likening them to "The last kicks of a dying horse."
The party's spokesperson, Leye Igbabo, accused Aiyedatiwa of attempting to win over voters with frivolous appointments, suggesting that the governor was afraid of losing the upcoming election.
The PDP argued that the governor's leadership had failed to steer the state in a positive direction, and these appointments were a desperate attempt to secure loyalty ahead of the polls.
Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) defended the move, asserting that the appointments were part of Aiyedatiwa's strategy to bring development and progress to the state.
The APC spokesperson, Steve Otaloro, dismissed the PDP's criticism, calling it baseless. He claimed that the appointments were in line with the governor's promise to engage more people in governance and strengthen democracy.
