AKURE, Nigeria – A storm of controversy has erupted in Ondo State over allegations that Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami and his aides have spent over N130 million on hotel accommodations in the past year. The expenditure has drawn criticism, particularly as the deputy governor’s official residence undergoes renovation.
Since assuming office in February 2023, Dr. Adelami and his team have reportedly been residing in hotel apartments. The official quarters were repurposed as a computer center and situation room for the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 general elections.
Reports indicate the deputy governor has stayed in at least four upscale hotels within the state, incurring substantial costs beyond just room and board. These additional expenses have further fueled public discontent.
Ijanusi Olawale, Director of Student Mobilization for the Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign council, questioned the necessity of the hotel expenses. He suggested that the newly renovated VIP lodge within the Government House could have temporarily housed the deputy governor, saving significant public funds.
“Despite spending a huge amount of money renovating the VIP lodge, all the lodge occupants had been flushed out,” Olawale stated. “The Deputy Governor should be temporarily allocated the VIP lodge…pending the period the Deputy Governor’s lodge will be completed.”
Olawale urged the state government to prioritize other critical sectors like education and health, rather than allocating substantial funds to hotel bills.
A government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the substantial hotel expenditures, noting that outstanding bills remain despite recent financial allocations. “Accommodations were provided for the deputy governor and his aides in these hotels, and they have been using various hotels for one year now,” the official said. “The money released for the quarter by the Ministry of Finance was not enough to offset the outstanding bills incurred on the hotel accommodation.”
In response to the allegations, Rahman Adekunle Yusuf, Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Media, acknowledged that the deputy governor occasionally stays in a hotel in Akure due to the ongoing renovation of his official residence. Yusuf denied any mismanagement of state resources, emphasizing that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered the renovation, which is nearing completion.
Yusuf clarified that the deputy governor’s hotel accommodation consists of a single room and parlor, and that his aides reside elsewhere. He also stated that the deputy governor covers the expenses of his entourage from his personal funds when traveling from his home in Owo.
Another government official, who chose to remain unnamed, downplayed the significance of the hotel expenses, arguing that they are justified given the circumstances. “Where do they want the deputy governor to be sleeping when his official quarters are still under renovation?” the official asked. He added that the renovations are expected to be completed soon, eliminating the need for hotel stays.
The controversy surrounding the deputy governor’s accommodation expenses continues to generate public debate, raising questions about fiscal responsibility and the prioritization of state resources.
No Home, Big Bills: Ondo Deputy Governor’s N130m Hotel Stays
