Every government is judged not only by its policies but also by its ability to maintain discipline, accountability, and respect within its institutions.
In Ondo State today, there is a growing perception among APC leaders and members, and indeed many stakeholders that the Permanent Secretary of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, who is allegedly facing corruption allegations over OSOPADEC funds could also be given a sensitive position of SUBEB Permanent Secretary. This, to Ondo State people is worrisome, strange and imaginable.
The civil service plays an indispensable role in ensuring continuity in government. However, civil servants are expected to function within the limits of administrative authority, while political leadership remains responsible for setting policy and providing direction.
When a civil servant is widely perceived to be more arrogant and often insulted political bigwigs in the state, it raises legitimate concerns about the bond and beauty of politics and balance of authority within Governor Aiyedatiwa-led administration.
One incident that continues to generate criticism is the reported manner in which the Permanent Secretary of SUBEB, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, allegedly ordered or supervised the retrieval of an official SUBEB vehicle from the immediate past Chairman of the Board, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan.
While government assets should be returned after an official leaves office, many believe the process was handled in a way that publicly embarrassed a respected elder statesman and long-serving leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State.
What has further fueled the controversy are allegations concerning an official OSOPADEC vehicle that was reportedly assigned to Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole during her tenure as Secretary of the Commission.
Critics allege that the vehicle has not been handed over to the current Permanent Secretary/Secretary of the Commission in accordance with established government procedures. These allegations would raise legitimate questions about the consistent application of public service rules and standards of accountability.
Public confidence in government is strengthened when administrative regulations are enforced fairly and uniformly, without any perception of preferential treatment or selective enforcement, which may create public doubts about the integrity of the Governor's administration.
Equally troubling are longstanding concerns expressed by some APC members over the Permanent Secretary's alleged role during the political crisis that culminated in the impeachment proceedings against Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa during his impeachment saga as Deputy Governor.
Many party stakeholders have questioned why an individual alleged to have worked against the Governor during that defining period is now perceived as exercising enormous influence within his administration. Whether these perceptions are entirely accurate or not, they have become a source of discomfort among loyal party members and deserve to be addressed.
Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan is not an ordinary politician. He is a respected party leader whose contributions to the APC, the development of Ondo State, and public service over several decades are widely recognized. Leaders of his standing deserve respect, even after leaving office. Administrative procedures should never be executed in a manner that appears vindictive or humiliating.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has repeatedly pledged to lead an inclusive, fair, and accountable administration. Those principles must also be reflected in the conduct of senior public officials. No Permanent Secretary, regardless of experience or influence, should create the impression of operating beyond oversight or enjoying authority that eclipses that of elected or appointed political leaders.
The Governor owes it to the people of Ondo State, the APC, and his administration to ensure that government institutions are guided by transparency, fairness, and respect for due process. Where there are credible concerns about the conduct of any public official, they should be examined objectively and addressed in accordance with the law.
Strong institutions are built on accountability - not personalities. A government that applies the same standards to everyone, regardless of status or position, strengthens public confidence and reinforces the integrity of the administration. Governor Aiyedatiwa has an opportunity to demonstrate that no individual is bigger than the government or the principles upon which it stands.
Therefore, the Governor must urgently address the growing dissatisfaction among party leaders and members over its failure to appoint committed politicians who laboured tirelessly to secure its electoral victory.
Many of these loyal supporters continue to watch as critical positions in the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa such as the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Local Government Service Commission remain under the control of Princess Abike and her husband - Mr. Bayo Ilawole in their respective capacities as Permanent Secretaries, despite the availability of opportunities for fresh appointments.
This situation has created widespread frustration and a strong perception of neglect among those who sacrificed their time, resources, and political capital for the success of Ayedatiwa-led administration. Many party leaders and stakeholders view this as an injustice that undermines party loyalty, discourages grassroots mobilization, and weakens confidence in the government's commitment to rewarding merit and dedication.
Another major concern expressed by party leaders is Governor Aiyedatiwa's treatment of some of his loyalists. It was reported that Hon. Victor Olabimtan remained with the Governor until about midnight on the very day his appointment as SUBEB Chairman was terminated, yet the Governor did not give him any prior notice of the decision.
Party leaders also recalled that a similar approach was adopted when the Governor dissolved his cabinet without prior consultation. The decision reportedly generated significant dissatisfaction, prompting the Governor to convene a meeting shortly afterward to express regret and appeal to the affected cabinet members over the manner in which the action was taken.
Many party leaders viewed these incidents as discourteous, disrespectful, and unbecoming of the office of the Governor, arguing that such actions undermined trust and loyalty within the party.
The Governor should act without further delay to correct this imbalance by ensuring that qualified and deserving party loyalists are fairly considered for available appointments in the interest of justice, equity, and party unity.
Comrade Segun Iseyemi, an indigene of Ondo State speaking from Lagos State
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