The Ondo State Government has approved a sum of ₦8.168 billion for the construction of 32 four-bedroom terrace houses meant for members of the state’s cabinet an average cost of approximately ₦281 million per unit.
This decision, made during the State Executive Council’s first meeting of 2025 on April 16, has drawn widespread criticism. Many citizens and public commentators are questioning the timing and priorities of the administration, particularly given the state’s ongoing struggles with deteriorating infrastructure, unpaid salaries, and rising security concerns.
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Documents from the Cabinet and Special Services Department in the Governor’s Office, as seen by SaharaReporters, indicate that the project was awarded to Cosgrave Investment Ltd., an Abuja-based construction company. The development, located in Akure the state capital is expected to be completed within 18 months and is intended to enhance the standard of accommodation for high-level officials.
At present, only two commissioners have been named in Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s cabinet: Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, and Mrs. Omowumi Isaac, Commissioner for Finance.
Referred to as the “Terrace Presidential Building” project, the initiative has been described as part of the governor’s effort to improve working and living conditions for public officeholders. According to an official letter, the contract includes conditions such as a 14-day deadline for the contractor’s formal acceptance and a milestone-based payment system.
The construction falls under the supervision of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing, alongside the Ministry of Lands and Housing.
The approval document reads in part:
> “At its first (2025) meeting held on April 16, the State Executive Council reviewed a proposal from the Chairman of the State Tenders Board regarding the construction of 32 four-bedroom terrace buildings for cabinet members and approved the contract at a total cost of ₦8,168,423,901.77.”
The announcement has raised fresh concerns about fiscal responsibility in the state, with some residents and civic organizations calling for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to scrutinize the government’s financial decisions.
A civic group based in Ondo town stated, “With only two commissioners and limited transparency, we are worried about who is really in charge of the state’s financial decisions.”
Residents have also criticized the neglect of key road projects such as Oda Road, Ijoka Road, and the Onyearugbulem Flyover, which were launched by the previous administration but remain incomplete. In contrast, Governor Aiyedatiwa has begun work on a new 10-kilometre Akure-Okearo Road project one that reportedly lacks transparency regarding its budget or timeline.
A civil engineer who asked not to be named commented, “For a project to be credible, it must have a defined scope, cost, and deadline. Anything less raises serious concerns.”
