The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticised the state government over the N3.69 billion Chief Reuben Fasoranti Park project, describing it as a misplaced and insensitive priority given the prevailing economic hardship in the state.
The PDP State Chairman, Mr. Modupe Aisida, expressed the party’s position during an interview with journalists on Sunday in Akure.
The Ondo State Government had in April 2025 approved N3.69 billion for the upgrade and vertical enhancement of the Fasoranti Park, located directly opposite the Governor’s Office Complex at Alagbaka, Akure.
Aisida argued that the project was unjustifiable, noting that it would consume about one percent of the state’s total capital expenditure in the 2026 budget, despite the numerous unmet needs of the state’s estimated six million residents.
“They said the Chief Reuben Fasoranti Park opposite the Governor’s Office is being done at the cost of N3.69 billion. That means one percent of the capital budget for 2026 is being spent on a park,” he said.
He questioned the appropriateness of siting a park opposite a government secretariat, describing the decision as illogical and disconnected from the purpose of such facilities.
“A park is meant for relaxation. Should it be directly opposite a power house of government where serious work is being done? It is really laughable,” Aisida stated.
The PDP chairman lamented the state of public infrastructure, pointing to dilapidated school buildings and poorly equipped health centres across the state as evidence of misplaced priorities.
“This is a state with countless dilapidated schools and health centres that make you weep when you visit them. This money should be used for serious, life-impacting projects, not a park,” he said.
Aisida further accused the Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration of neglecting critical sectors such as housing, noting that the government had failed to address the housing deficit in the state.
According to him, the lack of government-led housing initiatives had forced private developers to fill the gap, while civil servants were allegedly being displaced from Alagbaka to make way for housing projects for political office holders.
He insisted that his criticism was based on objective assessment, not political opposition, rating the performance of the state governor poorly.
“I will always be objective. I am still trying to find the areas where the governor has performed well, and I am yet to clearly identify them,” he said.
Aisida also expressed disappointment over the delay in completing the Shagari Estate flyover project, which he said had dragged on for more than two years.
Efforts to get a response from the Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, were unsuccessful, as he was unavailable at the time of contact.
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