The Ondo state government, led by Lucky Aiyedatiwa, approved N31.1 billion for the construction of a new High Court Complex in Akure, the state capital, despite the difficult economic conditions facing the state’s citizens, according to a document seen by SaharaReporters. The approval was given at the State Executive Council meeting, which was presided over by the governor.

According to a document obtained by SaharaReporters, the consent was granted during the State Executive Council meeting that was presided over by the governor.

Westfield Global Construction Company was given the contract, which has a N31.111 billion price tag and needs to be finished in 48 weeks.

The Aiyedatiwa-led administration further allotted N1.2 billion in another document for the refurbishment and furnishing of the VIP lodge at Government House in Akure.

Oakland Construction Concept was given the contract, and it is anticipated to be finished in 12 weeks.

Previously, DAILYPULSE revealed that the governor’s N775 million grant for the renovation of the Government House in Akure’s main gate and surrounding fence caused uproar in the state.

One of the people who questioned the price is Kayode Mogbojuri, a state activist and attorney.

“Mr. Aiyedatiwa reportedly awarded approximately N800M for the remodelling of the main gate and perimeter fence of Government House grounds,” stated Kayode in a Facebook post.

“Aiyedatiwa is growing increasingly careless with money, and the people of Ondo State deserve answers about how the state’s resources are being used.”

A Facebook user named Funmilayo Moyosoore wrote, “I learnt Aiyedatiwa approved Fence (Wall of Jericho) construction for #774m…….. Who will curtail Lagidigba.” In April 2024, SaharaReporters exclusively revealed that the governor had set aside N5 billion for the renovation of Day Care Centers/Creches. Days later, the state government, represented by Mr. Emmanuel Igbasan, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, claimed that the amount mentioned was a typo. Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has charged the governor of spending N2.4 billion on projects that it deemed wasteful and unnecessary for the people of the state, especially at a time when widespread poverty is prevalent.

The PDP criticised Aiyedatiwa for authorising N1.2 billion for the renovation of the state’s V.I.P. Lodge in a statement released by PDP spokesman Kennedy Peretei. The party claimed that constructing a new lodge would have been less expensive in the absence of corruption.

“How many residents of Ondo will benefit from the renovation of the V.I.P. Lodge?” said Peretei.

“A governor who disregards the well-being of his constituents cannot deem himself fortunate to hold office,” the statement stated.

In response, Wale Akinlosotu, the Ondo Commissioner for Information, defended the expenditures, claiming that the approvals were intended to improve the infrastructure of the state.

Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, Nigeria’s economy has faced a number of difficult obstacles, including nearly daily increases in food costs.

In Ondo State as well as other parts of the nation, the elimination of fuel subsidies and other measures implemented by the government has led to a rise in poverty and hunger.