Controversy Surrounds Lawmaker’s Christmas Rice Distribution in Ondo State

Residents of Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency in Ondo State are up in arms over the Christmas rice distributed by their representative, Jimi Odimayo. The constituents have rejected the bags of rice, intended as festive gifts, citing concerns about its safety.

In a widely circulated video, constituents were seen displaying rice bags featuring the lawmaker’s image. An elderly woman voiced her surprise, stating, “He (Odimayo) said he wants to be governor, and see the kind of rice he distributed to people. We are not hungry; nobody should give us poison to eat. If you eat this one, the hospital can’t do the surgery.”

Others in the video echoed these sentiments, with one man claiming the rice was “terribly bad” and “dangerous for consumption” due to the presence of stones. He emphasized the inedibility of both cooked and uncooked rice, expressing disbelief that someone aspiring to be governor would distribute such rice.

Lawmaker Jimi Odimayo, however, denies the allegations, attributing them to political opponents seeking to tarnish his image. Speaking through his media aide, Victor Adedeji, Odimayo urged the public to disregard the accusations. Adedeji clarified that the distributed rice underwent quality checks and came from reputable suppliers.

He stated, “Despite claims in the video suggesting the rice was full of stones and unfit for consumption, Odimayo assures constituents that the rice provided was ‘brown rice’ approved by the Federal Government of acceptable quality and suitable for consumption. The public should also know that the rice distributed was sourced from reputable suppliers and went through quality checks before distribution.”

The controversy surrounding the Christmas rice distribution raises questions about the quality and safety of gifts provided by political figures, adding a contentious layer to the political landscape in Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency.