Residents and stakeholders in Ikale land, Ondo State, have accused former Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Prof. Claudius Daramola, of neglecting the region throughout his four-year tenure.

Daramola served from November 11, 2015, under late President Muhammadu Buhari until the federal cabinet was dissolved on May 28, 2019. Despite controlling billions of naira earmarked for Niger Delta development, residents claim Okitipupa LGA and Ondo South Senatorial District saw no tangible projects or empowerment initiatives.

In a statement by Dr. Arowole Emmanuel, a public affairs analyst representing local stakeholders, the former minister’s tenure was described as “embarrassing underperformance” and “a monumental betrayal of the Ikale people.”

According to Emmanuel, roads deteriorated, electricity supply collapsed, and youth unemployment soared above 60%, prompting mass migration and widespread frustration. He alleged that over 300 skills acquisition and micro-credit opportunities intended for Ondo South were diverted to Kwara State, Daramola’s alleged political base.

Emmanuel also criticised unexecuted projects, including boreholes and a primary healthcare centre approved in 2017 for Aye and Igbotako communities, leaving residents without clean water and basic healthcare services.

The analyst did not spare Daramola’s son, Olumuyiwa, accusing him of enjoying the privileges of power in Abuja while contributing nothing to the development of his homeland. His first public appearance in Ode-Aye in 2020, distributing 10 sewing machines and 11 hairdryers, was described as a “publicity stunt.”

“Four years of conspicuous absence cannot be rewritten through slogans like ‘Make Ikale Great Again.’ That is not leadership — it is calculated political opportunism,” Emmanuel said.

He contrasted the Daramolas’ record with philanthropist Olu Akinfosile, who, without holding office, built a modern hospital in Erinje, provided over 200 scholarships annually, and constructed 12 kilometres of inter-community roads, demonstrating consistent and selfless commitment to the people.

“Ikale deserves far better than a ‘proxy prince’ who awakens only when elections approach,” Emmanuel concluded.