The Ondo State Government has issued a strong warning to individuals it described as “political blackmailers and cyber extortionists,” vowing that their campaign of falsehood and intimidation against Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration will no longer be tolerated.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, the government accused a small group of people — including two legal practitioners — of orchestrating a series of blackmail and cyberbullying campaigns targeted at the Governor and senior government officials.
According to the statement, the individuals involved had initially sought political appointments, contracts, and financial benefits from the administration but turned hostile when their demands were rejected.
“These individuals recently demanded a staggering ₦200 million under the guise of ‘support’ for the Governor through a fraudulent, unregistered organization,” the government said. “When the request was turned down, they resorted to coordinated online attacks, spreading baseless accusations and ridicule against the Governor and the Honourable Attorney General.”
Describing the development as an organized attempt to destabilize the state government, Ajanaku stressed that the administration would not bow to pressure or manipulation from what he called “political opportunists and rent-seekers.”
“Let it be made abundantly clear: these actions are not born out of patriotism or civic engagement but are deliberate attempts to distract a government focused on service delivery and people-oriented development,” he stated.
Ajanaku reaffirmed that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration welcomes constructive criticism rooted in facts and good conscience but warned that deliberate misinformation and cyber harassment will be met with firm legal action.
“The full weight of the law will be brought upon anyone found guilty of blackmail, extortion, or the spread of falsehoods. Such offences are punishable under the Cybercrime Act and other related laws,” the statement read.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and democratic values, Ajanaku declared that the Aiyedatiwa administration remains unwavering in its pursuit of good governance.
“Ondo State belongs to all of us,” he added. “We will not allow a few desperate individuals to tarnish the reputation of our State or undermine its progress. Enough is enough.”
The Commissioner assured residents that the government will continue to defend truth, uphold integrity, and protect the image of the Sunshine State from what he described as “forces of deceit and political desperation.”
