Ondo: Aiyedatiwa In Dilemma As Lobbying For Appointments Intensifies

Caught in a dilemma, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State must navigate between preserving the executive council appointed by his deceased predecessor and meeting the expectations of his loyal supporters vying for appointments in recognition of their allegiance.

The state remains in a somber mood after the passing of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on December 27, 2023, in a German hospital after battling a prolonged illness.

The passing of the former Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum was a source of profound sorrow for many within the state, particularly among his kinsmen, aides, and political associates.

There was a shared belief that he would triumph over the formidable battle against cancer, having spent several months undergoing treatment in a European country and subsequently returning to continue his commendable governance of the state.

Akeredolu’s departure leaves a void, and his absence will be felt for various reasons, with particular emphasis on his remarkable bravery and courage in addressing issues impacting the well-being of the people of Ondo.

In the numerous condolence messages expressed by a multitude of sympathizers, a consistent theme emerges – the characterization of Akeredolu as a man of courage and fearlessness. Even President Bola Tinubu, in his condolence message, affirmed Akeredolu’s fearless nature, describing him as “a fighter and fearless defender of truth and the masses, brother, confidant, political soul mate, and the Executive Governor of Ondo State.”

A significant aspect of Akeredolu’s legacy is his advocacy for the establishment of the South-West Security Network Agency, commonly known as Amotekun. Despite facing threats and criticism, he championed this cause, resulting in the amelioration of criminal activities, particularly those involving Fulani herdsmen, in the region.

Akeredolu’s commitment to regional security showcased his leadership in navigating challenges, even amid contentious discussions surrounding the formation of the South-West’s security outfits.

The untimely demise of the former Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum resonated deeply, especially among the people of the state, including his kinsmen, aides, and political allies.

There was a collective hope that he would overcome the relentless battle with cancer, as he had spent several months undergoing treatment in a European country and then returned with the intent to resume his dedicated governance of the state.
Akeredolu’s departure leaves a poignant void, and his absence will be keenly felt for various reasons, notably his unwavering bravery and courage in addressing issues that profoundly affect the welfare of the people of Ondo. His indomitable spirit and commitment to public service were defining features of his leadership.

Condolence messages poured in from a multitude of sympathizers, and a common thread in these expressions was the acknowledgment of Akeredolu’s courage and fearlessness. Even President Bola Tinubu, in a poignant tribute, underscored Akeredolu’s fearlessness, describing him as “a fighter and fearless defender of truth and the masses, brother, confidant, political soul mate, and the Executive Governor of Ondo State.”
One significant aspect of Akeredolu’s legacy lies in his fervent advocacy for the establishment of the South-West Security Network Agency, widely known as Amotekun. Despite facing threats and criticism, he steadfastly championed this cause, resulting in the mitigation of criminal activities, particularly those involving Fulani herdsmen, in the region. Akeredolu’s resilience and commitment to regional security showcased his adept leadership in navigating challenges, even amid contentious discussions surrounding the formation of the South-West’s security outfits.

The impact of Akeredolu’s leadership extended beyond regional security, encompassing various facets of governance. His vision and proactive approach played a pivotal role in shaping policies that aimed at the betterment of the state and its residents. The news of his passing reverberated not only in political circles but also among the ordinary citizens who had witnessed positive changes under his administration.

As the state mourns the loss of a visionary leader, there is a collective reflection on the enduring legacy he leaves behind. Akeredolu’s contributions to the socio-political landscape of Ondo State serve as a testament to his dedication to public service and his enduring impact on the lives of the people he served. The challenges faced during his tenure were met with resilience, and his leadership will be remembered as a pivotal era in the state’s history.

According to a reliable source, he said, “He (Aiyedatiwa) was in Lagos yesterday (Thursday)where he met with the President. As he raised the issue of the Deputy Governor, the President asked him to go back to Ondo and reorganise the party first and make sure he also reconciled with the aggrieved members, before talking about the deputy governorship.

According to the source, the advice of the President may have prevented the governor from taking some action unilaterally without the consent of the party leaders and elders in the state.

“As it is now, he may not be able to dissolve the cabinet against the expectations of some people or sack any member of the cabinet for now but he is still consulting,” the source stated.

On the other hand, the source disclosed that pressure was mounting on the governor by some of his loyalists and associates, who are allegedly lobbying to be appointed in the new government.

They are expecting the governor to dissolve the entire cabinet of late Akeredolu to give room for fresh hands some of whom had allegedly been ‘starved’ by the Akeredolu administration. They believe it is now their turn to benefit from the new ‘cake’. The governor has to apply wisdom in order not to create more enemies for himself.

Before any possible dissolution of the cabinet, by the new administration, some members of the cabinet and some Akeredolu’s appointees had already quit the government.

Those who had tendered their resignation letters included, the Special Adviser to the Governor Akeredolu on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr Dare Aragbaye, and the Chief Press Secretary the late governor, Mr Richard Olatunde; the state Commissioner for Infrastructure Lands and Housing, Mr Aminu Raimi; the Special Assistant on Photography to the former governor, Mr Olawale Abolade, and the Senior Special Assistant to Akeredolu on Special Duties and Strategy, Dr Doyin Odebowale.

Apart from these resignees, it was learned that some other aides of the former governor might drop their letter very soon. If they are not sacked, certainly, the governorship aspirants in the cabinet will voluntarily resign before the forthcoming primary of the party, coming up in April 2024.

Owing to this latest development, it could be observed that there have been alignment and realignment in the political space of the state as some chieftains of the APC had allegedly stepped up their lobby game to be considered in the new Aiyedatiwa’s administration. All these are said to be causing internal confusion in the party. But Aiyedatiwa, it was reliably gathered, would consider, first, those who stood by him during crises.

Already, it has been insinuated that the governor may appoint either the Chief of Staff to Akeredolu, Chief Olugbenga Ale or the state Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Razak Obe as the deputy governor. The duo were said to be at Aiyedatiwa’s side during his political travail. They were also from the two senatorial districts that would produce the deputy governor. While Ale is from the Northern senatorial district, Obe hailed from the Central senatorial district. The governor is from the southern senatorial district.

Another serious battle the governor would face is the party’s ticket ahead of the governorship election coming up later in the year as it was confirmed that he too has the ambition of becoming the next governor of the state.

Many believe that Aiyedatiwa faced the last crisis with some APC chieftains in the state due to his ambition of succeeding late Governor Akeredolu. Before things fell apart between them a video recently showed the deceased praising Aiyedatiwa for his support and loyalty and he (Akeredolu) promised to reciprocate the gesture, saying his deputy would continue from where he stopped.

To this end, getting the APC ticket in the April primary may be a herculean task for Aiyedatiwa as there may be a gang up against him to prevent him from using his current position to win the ticket at the expense of other gladiators.

Another issue before the governor is that of the appointment of 18 caretaker local government chairmen and the 33 Local Council Development Areas, created by Akeredolu, who had been stopped by the court from operating. Those affected, are loyal to the late former governor, who appointed them but they are now jittery and confused as they don’t know what would become of their fate in the new Aiyedatiwa’s administration. Some of the loyalists of the new governor across the 18 local government areas of the state are also eyeing these positions. It is a big issue before the governor as he is raising loyalists across the state ahead of the forthcoming party’s primary.

Apart from politics, one of the applauses for the Akeredolu administration was its policy on infrastructural development of the state and before the late governor departed, he had embarked on many infrastructural projects which had not been completed. It is expected that Aiyedatiwa would not abandon those projects, though he had promised to sustain the legacy of his former boss. Doing this may earn him the support of the people of the state.

While signing the 2024 budget into law, the governor had promised to continue where Akeredolu stopped.

He said, “The focus of this budget as said in my Budget Speech, is human capital development. Emphasis would also be placed on climate change, clean and sustainable environment, rural development, and food security while ongoing legacy infrastructural projects of our dear departed Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON would be completed. Furthermore, we would keep meeting salary, pension, and gratuity obligations to our serving and retired officers, as applicable.”

Meanwhile, the National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the APC, Mr Isaacs Kekemeke has called on Governor Aiyedatiwa to unite the party and ensure that all members of the party are together.

Kekemeke, who spoke recently on TVC News, said,” I think Governor Aiyedatiwa should build on the foundation that the President has laid by ensuring that all the tendencies in the party are put together. Our party is in an election mood next year. I think Governor Aiyedatiwa as a leader and father of all, must see everyone as a compatriot and partner, not minding that he is interested in running for governorship next year.”

The APC chieftain advised the governor to do away with promoters of divisions and factions in the state.

“There are elements who believe that it is their turn, there are elements who believe that they want to get back at the people who have hitherto excluded them, and there are elements who believe that they are responsible for the success of Governor Aiyedatiwa. I think he should shun them and behave like a statesman. He has the capacity but he should be sober with power.”