Ondo Budget Controversy: PDP Calls for Finance Commissioner’s Removal

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has demanded the immediate dismissal of Commissioner for Finance, Omowumi Isaac, over allegations of budget padding in the 2025 Appropriation Bill. However, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the claims, accusing the opposition of misunderstanding budgetary procedures.

The controversy stems from allocations in the budget, including an N11.5 billion security vote and a N250 million honorarium allowance under the Ministry of Finance. The PDP has also criticized the proposed procurement of a Toyota Prado SUV for the commissioner at a cost of N230 million.

“The silence of the government on these questionable items suggests complicity,” PDP Publicity Secretary Kennedy Peretei stated.

In response, APC’s Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, defended Isaac, emphasizing that budget allocations are handled by the Ministry of Budget and Planning, not the finance commissioner. He asserted that all figures in the budget are public and open for scrutiny.

The budget dispute has fueled political tensions in the state as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa prepares for his administration’s formal inauguration on February 24.