The Ondo State Government has come under heavy criticism following revelations that it plans to purchase five fairly used (tokunbo) buses for students instead of the ten brand-new vehicles earlier approved and paid for by the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN).
The buses were part of a student mobility initiative introduced in the twilight of the Akeredolu administration. The move, which was widely applauded at the time, was designed to ease transportation challenges for students and ensure safer commuting across the state.
However, months after Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa assumed office, the buses are yet to be delivered. The delay sparked a series of protests by student groups, who accused the state government of neglecting their welfare.
In response to the agitation, government officials explained that the contractor responsible for the supply had failed to deliver, prompting the state to demand a refund. According to information made public by public affairs commentator Ajayi Wande, the contractor has since refunded the full amount to government coffers.
Rather than continue with the initial plan, Wande alleged in a Facebook post that the state government has now opted to procure only five tokunbo buses instead of the ten brand-new vehicles. The development reportedly came to light during a recent meeting between Governor Aiyedatiwa and student leaders.
The decision has drawn widespread condemnation, with many describing it as a “downgrade disguised as delivery.”
Wande wrote, “This has become a pattern — editing good plans into bad projects. If the governor must edit, it should be an upgrade, not a reduction.” He also warned that the use of fairly used buses could expose students to safety risks, recalling the tragic July 13, 2012 accident involving a student bus in the state.
Stakeholders, including student unions and civil society groups, have called on the government to either deliver the initially approved ten brand-new buses or give a clear account of how the refunded funds will be utilised.
Source: Ajayi Wande’s Facebook Page
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