The attention of the Ondo Redemption Front (ORF) has been drawn to the careless and irresponsible remarks credited to the Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanakun, who dismissed our patriotic call for accountability as the antics of “politicians masquerading as CSOs.”
Ordinarily, we would have ignored his cheap attempt at name-calling, but silence in the face of deliberate falsehood would amount to an endorsement of his reckless outburst.
It is laughable that Ajanakun, a crass opportunist who lacked the courage to utter a word in defence of democracy when Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was being hounded as Deputy Governor, has now found his voice only to attack a reputable civil society organisation. Where was his so-called bravery when Aiyedatiwa was fighting for survival in the face of impeachment plots and political persecution? At that time, it was Ondo Redemption Front that boldly stood in the gap, addressing press conferences, mobilising civil society, and insisting that due process and justice must prevail. Our records are in the public domain.
We challenge Mr. Ajanakun to show the people of Ondo State a single press release, a single media engagement, or a single show of solidarity he made during those trying days. None exists, because he had none. His trademark has always been silence in moments of truth and opportunism in moments of comfort.
For the avoidance of doubt, ORF is not a political organisation. We are not opportunists who wait for appointments before discovering our voices. We are a broad coalition of civic actors committed to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of the people of Ondo State. Our interventions have consistently been guided by principle, not politics. The integrity and credibility of ORF cannot be rubbished by a man whose record in public office has been defined more by failure than by service.
We remind Mr. Ajanakun that he has a duty to face his work as Commissioner for Information. Let him ensure that the government communicates policies with clarity, honesty, and openness, instead of wasting precious time throwing mud at those who demand accountability. The people of Ondo State have not forgotten his abysmal performance in his first appointment, a tenure remembered more for communication gaps and credibility deficits than for any tangible achievements. He must not repeat that sorry record.
Our demand remains clear and non-negotiable: the government must come clean on the #240 billion bond, provide audited accounts of all proceeds, and stop hiding behind diversionary propaganda. The Commissioner may attempt to blackmail, but the people of Ondo State know better.
Ajanakun should remember that governments come and go, but institutions and the people remain. ORF will continue to stand on the side of truth, accountability, and the people, long after opportunists like him have left office.
Signed:
Barr. Oladotun Ajulo, Secretary
For: Ondo Redemption Front (ORF)
