The African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate for the 2024 Ondo State election, Kunle Wizeman Ajayi, has attributed the death of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tayo Oluwatuyi, popularly known as Tukana, to what he described as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s “bad governance.”
In a statement issued on Monday, Ajayi expressed deep sorrow over Oluwatuyi’s “avoidable” demise and extended condolences to his family. He criticized the state government’s decision to declare three days of mourning, describing it as superficial and failing to address the root causes of the issues that led to Oluwatuyi’s death.
“This missive should otherwise be brief,” Ajayi stated, “but after reading about the three-day mourning (without meaningful reflection), I am compelled to address the underlying issues that caused this tragic loss.”
Ajayi highlighted two critical areas of concern: healthcare and road infrastructure, both of which, he said, were central to the AAC’s #IrapadaOndo manifesto.
Healthcare Crisis in Ondo State
Ajayi described the state’s healthcare system as a “time-bomb,” citing years of neglect and underfunding. He accused successive administrations, including that of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, of systematically dismantling the healthcare sector through commercialization.
“The destruction of Ondo State healthcare began with Akeredolu’s administration and has worsened under Governor Aiyedatiwa, who has continued to allocate paltry sums to healthcare amidst systemic looting,” he said.
Ajayi criticized the late Oluwatuyi, who served as SSG under Aiyedatiwa, for not objecting to the deteriorating state of healthcare facilities. He revealed that following the accident that led to Oluwatuyi’s death, the SSG had to be transported to Afe Babalola Teaching Hospital in Ado-Ekiti for a CT scan and later to Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, where he passed away.
“How can it be that no hospital in Ondo State has a CT scan or MRI?” Ajayi questioned.
He also pointed out the irony of the situation, noting that both the late Governor Akeredolu and Oluwatuyi were victims of the state’s failing healthcare system.
Road Infrastructure: A Death Trap
Ajayi further lamented the deplorable state of roads in Ondo State, describing them as “serious death traps.” He criticized the government for neglecting road infrastructure, which he said contributed to Oluwatuyi’s fatal accident.
“From Akoko to Igbokoda, the U-shaped single long road is a death trap. Ondo State officials, including Aiyedatiwa, evade these roads using luxury SUVs and Hilux trucks, leaving ordinary citizens to suffer the consequences,” he said.
Ajayi dismissed claims that the poor roads were “federal roads,” arguing that the state government’s inaction had exacerbated the situation.
Call for Action
Ajayi called on the state government to declare a state of emergency on healthcare, education, and road infrastructure instead of the symbolic three-day mourning.
“We in the African Action Congress demand urgent action to address the root causes of these tragedies. How many more lives will be lost before the government takes responsibility?” he asked.
He concluded by urging the government to prioritize collective welfare and infrastructure development, stating, “What is needed is not prayers or empty gestures, but practical efforts to ensure such deaths do not recur. That is the only way to honor the memory of Oluwatuyi.”
