The controversy erupted following the release of the state's 2025 Appropriation Act, which included budget allocations that have sparked widespread public outrage.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has called for the immediate dismissal of the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac, over allegations of financial misconduct and undue influence in the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The controversy erupted following the release of the state's 2025 Appropriation Act, which included budget allocations that have sparked widespread public outrage.
Critics, led by the opposition PDP, alleged that certain provisions in the budget, particularly a staggering N11.5 billion security vote allocated to the Ministry of Finance, are excessive and unjustified.
In a statement issued on Monday by Kennedy Ikantu Peretei, the Publicity Secretary of the state PDP, the party described the budget as padded and designed to serve the personal interests of the finance commissioner rather than the people of the state.
Among the contentious provisions is a N250 million allocation for honorariums and sitting allowances, which the PDP argues is an unnecessary expenditure meant for personal gratification.
Perhaps the most controversial item in the budget is the planned procurement of a Toyota Prado SUV for the finance commissioner at a cost of N230 million. Critics argue that such luxury spending is insensitive, particularly in a state facing pressing issues such as poor infrastructure, a struggling healthcare system, and falling education standards.
The party said, "The Ondo State 2025 Appropriation Act contains some scandalous items in the office of the Commissioner for Finance, that have been subject of public agitation in the last two weeks. The Lucky Aiyedatiwa government has maintained such a deafening silence and complicity that are making tongues to wag, if indeed, there is more to it that meets the eye.
"The N11.5B Security Vote in the Ministry of Finance captured in the 2025 Approved Budget has not been explained to the people of the State, in spite of the public outcry.
"The provision of N250M as Honorarium and Sitting Allowance in the Ministry of Finance is another padded item in the budget for the enjoyment and pleasure of the Commissioner.
"Perhaps, the most insensitive of the items is the procurement of 1 No Toyota Prado SUV Jeep for the Honorable Commissioner for Finance at a princely sum of N230M.
"In view of the above approved Budgetary allocations, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ondo State Chapter believes that Mrs Isaac Omowunmi, the Ondo State Commissioner for Finance must be sacked immediately, for criminally abusing her office. Her claim of being a UK trained Accountant falls flat on its back, if all she can do is to fleece the people's Treasury. The supposed Gatekeeper of our Treasury.
"If Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa fails to relieve the Commissioner of her duties, having failed the people of the Sunshine State, steps will be taken to prove that, what is at stake is the people's funds.
"Whatever happened to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) team that arrived the State in the wake of the 2025 Budget scandal is inexplicable.”
"A government that presides over a huge infrastructural deficit, a totally collapsed health care delivery system and unacceptable falling educational standards can ill-afford the financial recklessness of the Commissioner for Finance in our state," the statement added.
The allegations have triggered strong reactions across the state, with civil society groups and concerned youth organisations adding their voices to the demand for Mrs. Isaac’s resignation or removal.
The Ilaje Youths, a group from Governor Aiyedatiwa’s hometown, have raised additional concerns about the commissioner’s growing influence over the governor, claiming she has effectively taken control of governance in the state.
In a separate statement, the youth group accused Mrs. Isaac of deliberately withholding funds, thereby stalling critical projects, including the recruitment of teachers and health workers already approved by the governor.
They also alleged that over 3,000 files requiring financial approval remain pending in the Finance Ministry, preventing the execution of key government projects.