Residents and political activists in Ondo State have voiced strong criticism and disappointment over Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s commissioning of a single tricycle ambulance—popularly referred to as a “keke ambulance”—and a 100,000-litre borehole water scheme as key highlights of his first-year anniversary in office.
The projects were officially unveiled a few days prior to February 22, 2026, at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) Teaching Hospital complex. Governor Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, presented the initiatives as part of efforts to mark one year of his administration under the theme “OUR EASE.” The tricycle ambulance, a modified commercial three-wheeler equipped for emergency medical use, and the borehole were intended to demonstrate progress in healthcare accessibility and water supply infrastructure.
However, the ceremony has triggered widespread mockery and outrage across social media platforms, local discussions, and public commentary in the “Sunshine State.” Critics argue that the projects fall far short of expectations for Ondo State, one of Nigeria’s nine oil-producing states that receives monthly 13 percent derivation funds from oil revenues shared through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). In 2025, oil-producing states collectively received N1.6 trillion in derivation funds, with Ondo benefiting from its contributions via onshore and offshore oil fields. Recent FAAC disbursements, including reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order on oil and gas revenue remittance effective from early 2026, have aimed to increase inflows to states, further fueling perceptions that Ondo should prioritize more substantial infrastructure.
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, an indigene of Ondo State, sharply condemned the development on social media. In a widely shared post, Sowore questioned: “An oil-producing state reduced to using a Kéké as an ambulance? Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa presides over a state that receives derivation funds from oil revenue. Ondo is not bankrupt. Ondo is not landlocked. Ondo is not a war zone. Yet, citizens in medical distress are transported in tricycles? It is finished!”
Local residents echoed similar sentiments. One resident, identified as Odunayo in online discussions, described the event as a “show of shame,” arguing that publicly commissioning what many view as basic or councillor-level projects diminishes the state’s prestige compared to peers. Social media users drew unfavorable comparisons with other governors: while Nyesom Wike (former Rivers State Governor) constructed multiple flyovers and Alex Otti has pursued transformative projects in Abia State, Ondo’s anniversary was seen as celebrating initiatives typically associated with lower-tier governance.
The backlash highlighted broader frustrations over perceived misplaced priorities. Some residents pointed out that the cost of organizing the commissioning ceremony—including logistics, protocol, and publicity—may have exceeded the practical value of the single tricycle ambulance and borehole. Comments on platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) labeled the projects “underwhelming” and “embarrassing” for an oil-rich state with significant monthly allocations.
In response, Governor Aiyedatiwa’s aide, Yomi Oyekan, issued a statement defending the initiatives and pushing back against the criticism. Oyekan described the tricycle ambulances as a “strategic addition” rather than a replacement for conventional ambulances. He explained that the modified tricycles are specifically suited for rural, riverine, and hard-to-reach areas where narrow paths and difficult terrain prevent standard four-wheeled ambulances from accessing communities quickly and effectively.
“Healthcare delivery is not about optics; it is about accessibility and saving lives,” Oyekan stated. He accused critics of “selective outrage,” noting that the Aiyedatiwa administration has previously distributed fully equipped conventional ambulances and revived the state’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Oyekan emphasized that the tricycle units complement existing efforts, such as the engagement of additional health workers and investments in primary healthcare facilities.
The controversy has also spotlighted other anniversary-related activities. Reports indicate the administration has commissioned road projects, solar-powered boreholes (with over 50 reportedly operational statewide under the “Omi Irorun” initiative, benefiting more than one million people), security fencing at health facilities, and modern diagnostic equipment. Officials have highlighted investments exceeding ₦424 million in some healthcare interventions. Despite these, public focus has remained fixed on the tricycle ambulance and borehole, amplifying perceptions of modest output.
Ondo State’s status as an oil-producing entity—contributing through fields in areas like Ilaje and Ese-Odo—continues to fuel expectations for higher-impact developments in healthcare, roads, education, and urban infrastructure. The state’s derivation funds supplement federal allocations, yet critics argue that visible, large-scale projects remain limited compared to revenue inflows.
As the debate rages online and in public spaces, the incident underscores ongoing tensions between government communications on incremental gains and public demands for transformative, high-visibility achievements. Observers note that while specialized vehicles like tricycle ambulances address genuine logistical challenges in rural Ondo, their presentation as landmark anniversary projects has intensified scrutiny of the administration’s priorities one year into Governor Aiyedatiwa’s tenure.
The governor’s team maintains that these initiatives form part of a broader, inclusive development agenda focused on accessibility and life-saving interventions, even as calls for greater accountability and ambition persist among residents and activists.
