Chief Alexander Oluremi Ajipe, an aspirant for the Ondo North Senatorial District, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Pa Erastus Oludolapo Akeju, a respected elder statesman and former Commissioner for Works in Ondo State.

The death of Pa Akeju marks the loss of a prominent political figure whose contributions to governance and public infrastructure helped shape development in the state over several decades.

In a statement, Ajipe described the late politician as a dedicated public servant whose commitment to Ondo State remained unwavering throughout his life.

“Pa Akeju’s wealth of experience, wise counsel, and exemplary leadership earned him the respect and admiration of generations of leaders and citizens alike,” Ajipe said.

“Ondo State has indeed lost one of its finest patriots whose legacy will continue to inspire many.”

Why His Death Matters

Pa Akeju was widely known in political circles for his service as Commissioner for Works, a role in which he contributed to infrastructure development across Ondo State.

Beyond his time in office, he remained active in civic and political affairs, offering guidance and mentorship to younger leaders and maintaining a strong interest in the state’s development.

Political observers say the passing of elder statesmen such as Akeju represents the loss of institutional memory and experience at a time when many states are seeking to balance continuity with generational leadership transition.

Legacy of Public Service

Ajipe noted that the late politician’s contributions extended beyond government appointments.

According to him, Akeju’s commitment to public service, integrity, and community development earned him widespread respect among political stakeholders and ordinary citizens.

“The political icon’s remarkable contributions to public infrastructure and his continued civic engagement have left an indelible mark on Ondo State’s development trajectory,” the statement said.

His influence, supporters say, can still be seen in infrastructure projects and governance initiatives that benefited communities across the state.

Condolences to Family and Ondo People

Ajipe extended condolences to the Akeju family, friends, associates, and residents of Ondo State mourning the elder statesman.

“I pray that Almighty God grants the family the strength and fortitude to bear this painful loss, and that He comforts everyone mourning this great statesman. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” he said.

Industry and Public Perspective

Political analysts note that tributes from emerging and established leaders alike reflect the impact Pa Akeju had across different generations of Ondo politics.

Residents and stakeholders are expected to remember him for his role in public administration, infrastructure development, and his reputation as a voice of experience in state affairs.

What Next?

Details regarding funeral arrangements and official memorial activities are expected to be announced by the family and relevant stakeholders in the coming days.

As tributes continue to pour in, many political leaders and community groups are likely to reflect on Pa Akeju’s contributions to governance and development in Ondo State.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the appointment of Chief Segun Odusanya as the new Head of Service of the state, effective from June 6, 2026.

The appointment follows the retirement of Mr. Bayo Philips, who served as the state’s Head of Service before reaching the mandatory retirement age.

Announcing the decision on Friday, the governor expressed appreciation to Mr. Philips for his service and contributions to the development of Ondo State.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked the outgoing Head of Service and wished him success in his future endeavours.

Why the appointment matters

The position of Head of Service is one of the most influential roles within the state civil service, overseeing administrative operations and coordinating public sector reforms across ministries, departments and agencies.

The appointment comes at a time when state governments across Nigeria are under increasing pressure to improve public service delivery, strengthen institutional efficiency and implement governance reforms.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said he expects the new Head of Service to leverage his extensive experience in the public sector to support the administration’s development agenda.

“The Governor urged the new Head of Service to bring his wealth of experience to bear on the service towards driving the OUR EASE administration to the desired destination,” the statement said.

Who is Segun Odusanya?

Chief Odusanya has spent more than three decades in public administration and is widely regarded as one of the most experienced senior civil servants in Ondo State.

Born on February 6, 1967, he attended St. Peter’s Primary School, Ile-Oluji, and Gboluji Anglican Grammar School before proceeding to , where he obtained a Bachelor of Agriculture degree in 1989.

He later earned a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management Studies from the same institution in 1992 and subsequently obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from in 2000.

Chief Odusanya joined the Ondo State Public Service in September 1995 and rose through the ranks before being appointed Permanent Secretary in 2019.

Over the years, he has served as Permanent Secretary in several strategic government institutions, including the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Ondo State Civil Service Commission, the Ministry of Transport, and most recently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

He currently serves as Chairman of the Forum of Permanent Secretaries in Ondo State.

Professional credentials

Beyond his administrative experience, Chief Odusanya is a fellow of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, the Chartered Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Local Government Administration.

Observers say his background in public administration, personnel management and governance could prove valuable as the state seeks to improve efficiency within the civil service.

Governance experts react

Public administration analysts note that continuity in leadership within the civil service often plays a critical role in sustaining government policies and institutional memory.

Governance experts say Odusanya’s appointment signals the administration’s preference for an experienced insider who understands the workings of the state’s bureaucracy and can help accelerate policy implementation.

What happens next?

Chief Odusanya is expected to assume office officially on June 6, 2026, taking over the responsibility of coordinating the state’s civil service machinery and supporting the implementation of government programmes.

Stakeholders will be watching closely to see how his leadership shapes ongoing reforms and service delivery across Ondo State’s public institutions.

A prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Chief (Dr.) Alexander Oluremi Ajipe, has criticised plans to construct the proposed Oba Adesida flyover in Akure, describing it as a project that may attract public attention but fails to address the state’s most pressing economic challenges.

In a statement released on Thursday, Ajipe argued that while the flyover is not inherently flawed, it represents a misplaced priority at a time when Ondo State faces growing concerns over unemployment, infrastructure deficits and limited economic opportunities.

“The Oba Adesida flyover is not a bad project on its own; it is a bad priority for this moment with these constrained resources and these urgent needs,” Ajipe said.

The intervention adds to ongoing public discussions about infrastructure spending and economic development strategies in Ondo State.

Why the Flyover Is Being Questioned

The proposed flyover is expected to ease traffic movement along the busy Oba Adesida corridor, one of Akure’s major transport routes.

However, Ajipe argued that traffic congestion in the area is less about vehicle volume and more about urban planning challenges surrounding Oja Oba Market.

According to him, market activities, street trading and encroachment have significantly reduced available road space, creating congestion that a flyover alone may not solve.

He said authorities should focus on restoring order through market restructuring, trader relocation programmes and stricter enforcement of urban planning regulations.

“A flyover treats the symptom by lifting traffic above the chaos; it does nothing to restore urban order,” he said.

Urban planning experts have often argued that transport infrastructure projects are most effective when combined with broader land-use reforms, enforcement measures and public transport improvements.

Focus Should Be on Economic Growth, Says Ajipe

Beyond traffic management, Ajipe raised concerns about Ondo State’s broader economic competitiveness.

He pointed specifically to the performance of Akure Airport, arguing that limited flight frequency and high ticket costs have reduced its attractiveness to investors, business travellers and residents.

According to him, better air connectivity could deliver greater economic benefits than a flyover project.

He also compared Ondo State’s economic trajectory with neighbouring Ogun State, which has leveraged its proximity to Lagos to attract industries and boost internally generated revenue.

“Many indigenes prefer to drive to Lagos rather than use their own airport,” he stated.

Economic analysts have long highlighted transportation connectivity as a key factor influencing investment decisions, particularly in states seeking to attract manufacturing and logistics businesses.

Alternative Projects Proposed

Ajipe suggested that funds earmarked for the flyover could instead be directed towards projects he believes would generate long-term economic benefits.

Among his recommendations are:

– Development of SME industrial clusters in Ilara-Mokin and other growth corridors.

– Upgrading technical colleges with modern vocational training facilities.

– Construction of rural roads to support agricultural production and market access.

– Temporary subsidies to improve affordability of Akure-Lagos flights.

– Expansion of coastal connectivity and logistics infrastructure along Ondo’s coastline.

He argued that such investments would create sustainable employment opportunities and strengthen the state’s economic base.

“These are the pragmatic bridges between potential and prosperity, not the bridges we photograph, but the bridges that build jobs, attract investment, and change lives,” he said.

Youth Employment at the Centre of the Debate

Ajipe also linked infrastructure spending decisions to youth unemployment, one of Nigeria’s most pressing socio-economic concerns.

According to him, many young people are more concerned about economic opportunities than traffic congestion.

“Employment is the best traffic management system,” he said.

He argued that investments in manufacturing, skills development, ports and value chains would have a more direct impact on job creation than large-scale urban road projects.

Labour and development experts frequently point to youth employment as a critical factor in economic stability, particularly in states with growing populations and limited industrial activity.

What Happens Next?

The Ondo State Government has yet to publicly respond to Ajipe’s latest remarks.

The debate reflects a broader question facing many Nigerian states: whether limited public resources should be directed towards visible infrastructure projects or towards long-term economic development initiatives designed to boost productivity and employment.

As discussions continue, stakeholders are likely to scrutinise not only the potential benefits of the proposed flyover but also whether alternative investments could deliver greater economic returns for residents.