The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has criticised the state government’s N3.69 billion Chief Reuben Fasoranti Park project, describing it as poorly timed, insensitive and a reflection of misplaced priorities amid prevailing economic hardship.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure on Sunday, the Ondo State PDP Chairman, Mr Modupe Aisida, faulted the project, arguing that it comes at a time when critical sectors such as education, healthcare and housing are in dire need of attention.
The Ondo State Government had, in April 2025, approved the sum of N3.69 billion for the upgrade and vertical expansion of the Chief Reuben Fasoranti Park, located opposite the Governor’s Office Complex in Alagbaka.
Aisida noted that the project would consume about one per cent of the state’s 2026 capital expenditure, insisting that such a significant amount should be redirected to more urgent and impactful projects.
“It is disturbing that such a huge amount is being spent on a park directly in front of the Governor’s Office while schools are dilapidated and health centres are in terrible condition,” he said.
The PDP chairman questioned the park’s location, describing it as unnecessary and inappropriate for an area designated for official government activities. He argued that parks are meant for leisure and relaxation, not for spaces adjacent to major administrative centres.
“That means that one per cent of the capital expenditure of the state’s budget in 2026, with a budget of six million, is being spent on a park in front of the Governor’s Office,” Aisida stated.
“And if you want to build a park, should it be opposite the government secretariat, where serious government work is being done, the powerhouse of governance?
“A park should be a place of relaxation where people can be on their own. It’s really laughable,” he added.
Aisida further accused the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of failing to prioritise the welfare of ordinary citizens. According to him, the state is grappling with a severe housing deficit. Yet the government has allegedly focused more on displacing civil servants from the Alagbaka area while proposing housing projects mainly for political officeholders.
He stressed that education and healthcare infrastructure across the state remain in poor condition, calling on the government to address the needs of the majority rather than embark on what he described as cosmetic projects.
The PDP chairman also criticised the prolonged delay in completing the Shagari Estate flyover, noting that the project has remained unfinished for over two years.
He urged the state government to reassess its development priorities and channel limited resources towards projects that would directly improve the living conditions of Ondo residents.
