There is tension in Ondo State over the transfer of power following the incapacitation of the State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State.
Reports had it that the deputy Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa, was poised to battle Akeredolu over the leadership of the State.
A source said that Akeredolu was aware of the deputy governor’s scheming and his
excessive ambition to grab power.
“The trouble began when governor Akeredolu went on vacation and entrusted the deputy governor with the responsibilities of the governor’s office.
“During his short stay as acting governor, the deputy governor, it is alleged, prioritized his personal interests over that of the state’s and the governor’s.
READ ALSO: Governor Akeredolu Falls Sick, Flown To Germany
“Some members of the Executive Council alleged that the deputy governor was responsible for the circulation of stories about the governor’s health.
“The deputy governor is behind all these circulating stories. What actually happened was that after the Cabinet meeting three weeks ago and the subsequent courtesy visits, the governor decided to take some time to rest.
“The truth is, Aketi is a workaholic. Often, we are the ones who have to insist that he takes a break. After the strenuous work he did three weeks ago, he was resting at the government house in Akure. However, some individuals kept disturbing him at his residence.
“Then, last Sunday, he left Akure for Ibadan in the hope of getting some much-needed rest. The governor has been advised to deliberately spend quality time resting. So, the deputy governor went to Ibadan to visit him and brought along some files.
“However, he didn’t inform the governor or his close aides about his visit. Upon reaching Ibadan, the governor signed the files, which were then returned to him. But the governor didn’t wait to talk to the deputy governor.
“When he returned to Akure, he started telling some of our associates that the governor should transfer power to him. He even attempted to persuade Exco members to support his position.
“He deliberately initiated these rumors about the governor’s health to gain public sympathy and support.
READ ALSO: Gov Akeredolu Uses Soldiers To Chase 10,000 Farmers From Their Cocoa Plantations – Lawyer
“The deputy governor lied to us. It was only when we started contacting the governor ourselves that we learned the truth.
“Just last Monday, the governor signed the May 2023 salary. The fact that the ministries are functioning should assure you that the governor is in charge and actively involved. At present, he is upset and pissed with these false stories.”
However, Vanguard gathered that the Deputy Governor has already formed a group within the cabinet and has promised a Commissioner the position of the deputy if power was transferred to him.
Already, two commissioners are vying to be Ayedatiwa’s deputy while a Special Adviser has equally joined the camp of the deputy Governor in order to get a federal government appointment
“At present, all these individuals are aligned within the same camp, seeking for the governor to transfer power to the deputy. Their loyalty is questionable.”
Meanwhile, a group, the Renewed Mandate Progressives Forum (RMPF) has warned the deputy Governor against causing confusion in the state by seizing power.
The group, in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Maxwell Olajuni, alleged that the deputy Governor is inciting other members of the cabinet against the Governor.
According to the statement: “We have reliable information that the deputy governor has made plans to challenge the governor for his seat. We are aware that Mr. Governor has been facing health challenges, but we have observed his recovery and his continued functioning.
“Recently, we received reports that the deputy governor has been meeting with various groups, offering them large sums of money to blackmail the governor using his health status as an excuse.
READ ALSO: Akeredolu’s Wife Accuses His Female Aide Of Interfering In Management Of Governor’s Health
“Instead of praying for his boss and supporting him, the deputy governor seems determined to engage in a battle for the governorship.
“He is overly fixated on the office of the governor. He should wait until 2024 to contest for the governorship and allow Aketi to complete his tenure.
“We are compelled to raise this alarm due to the governor’s numerous contributions to the Nigerian project.
”Akeredolu is not just a governor; he is a national asset. We will throw our weight behind him and support him through this unnecessary battle.
“It is disheartening that a man like Akeredolu does not have the fortune of a loyal and dedicated deputy governor.
”Akeredolu’s sincere and trustworthy nature, combined with his integrity and honesty, are being taken for granted by these overly ambitious deputies. It is truly unfortunate.”
Reacting, the deputy Governor insisted that his unalloyed loyalty to the Governor wasn’t in doubt.
Ayedatiwa, speaking through one of his aides, said he would remained loyal and grateful to Akeredolu forever.
The aide who spoke in confidence, said that the all these allegations were only figments of the imagination of political jobbers who wanted to create tension and bad blood between the Governor and his deputy.
