Akure, Ondo — The Ondo State Government has issued a stern warning against what it describes as a “disturbing and coordinated campaign of blackmail, cyberbullying, and misinformation” targeting Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and senior state officials.

In a strongly worded statement, the government declared that it will no longer tolerate such acts, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to what it perceives as attempts to undermine the administration’s credibility.

The statement, released by Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, accused a group of individuals, including “two certain legal practitioners,” of orchestrating a smear campaign driven by personal grievances.

According to Ajanaku, the group’s actions stem from frustration over failed attempts to secure political appointments, contracts, and financial favors from the Aiyedatiwa administration.

“When their self-serving demands were firmly rejected—consistent with our unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability—they resorted to despicable acts of blackmail and character assassination,” he said.

The government alleged that the group recently demanded a staggering sum of ₦200 million, purportedly to support the governor through an unregistered and fraudulent organization.

Upon the administration’s refusal to yield, the group allegedly launched a series of coordinated online attacks, spreading baseless allegations and ridicule against Governor Aiyedatiwa and the state’s Attorney General.

“Investigations have revealed this entity to be unregistered, fraudulent, and devoid of any legal or operational legitimacy,” Ajanaku added.

Describing the campaign as a “calculated attempt to destabilize and discredit” the administration, the commissioner emphasized that the motives behind the attacks are not rooted in patriotism or public interest but rather in personal vendettas.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa welcomes constructive criticism and acknowledges the importance of opposition in a healthy democracy,” Ajanaku noted.

“However, he will not tolerate blackmailers masquerading as activists.”, she added

The government warned that it would invoke the full weight of the law against anyone found guilty of spreading falsehoods, engaging in extortion, or attempting to blackmail public officials. Such actions, it stated, constitute serious offenses under the Cybercrime Act and related laws.

“Ondo State belongs to all of us, and we will not stand idly by while a few people attempt to destroy the reputation of our state and its institutions. Enough is enough,” Ajanaku declared.

The statement also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and people-centered governance.

Despite the challenges, Governor Aiyedatiwa remains focused on delivering on his mandate, the commissioner said, urging citizens to disregard the smear campaign and support the government’s developmental agenda.

The controversy has sparked mixed reactions across Ondo State. While some view the government’s stance as a necessary defense against malicious actors, others worry that it could stifle legitimate criticism and dissent.

Political analysts suggest that the episode reflects broader tensions within the state’s political landscape, where competing interests often manifest in public spats.