Ondo Government House Staff Raise Alarm Over Unpaid Allowances, Fear Hungry Easter

Security personnel and domestic staff attached to the Ondo State Government House in Alagbaka, Akure, have raised an urgent alarm over the non-payment of their statutory allowances, just 72 hours before Easter celebrations.

The affected workers, including security operatives and elderly sweepers, say their allowances have been withheld since January 2026, leaving many grappling with hunger and financial hardship.

In appeals directed at Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the staff described the situation as unbearable and called for the immediate release of the funds.

According to statements made to SaharaReporters, workers who complained to authorities were told that the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac, is “in charge” and that her decision to withhold the funds remains final.

The delay has forced many employees, including elderly women who sweep the government precinct, to trek long distances to work on empty stomachs, unable to afford transport fares.

Muslim staff members reported enduring “serious trouble” during the last Eid-el-Fitr after payments failed to materialise. With Easter holidays approaching, Christian workers are now appealing to the state government to settle their dues before the close of business today to avoid another celebration marked by hunger.

Sources within the Government House further revealed that drivers, Amotekun Corps members, and police and DSS operatives who served under the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu are allegedly still owed Duty Tour Allowances dating back nearly three years.

Concerns are mounting that several of the original beneficiaries have died while waiting for their entitlements, yet the Aiyedatiwa administration remains indifferent to their plight.

The workers expressed frustration that despite the state’s robust Internally Generated Revenue and regular receipt of federal security votes, the welfare of those securing the governor’s seat is being ignored.

They noted with irony that while their allowances are withheld, security across Ondo State has remained “in shambles,” with kidnapping and housebreaking becoming daily occurrences.

The aggrieved staff are calling on the State Attorney General, the State APC Chairman, and the State Chief Judge to persuade Governor Aiyedatiwa and other officials to attend to their suffering.

Quoting biblical mandates against withholding wages from the needy, the workers warned that neglecting those who maintain security and hygiene at the Government House could have dire consequences.