The political atmosphere in Ondo State has been charged with tension following reports of the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s alleged plan to contest the gubernatorial elections against his boss, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. According to sources within the cabinet, the Governor has become aware of his deputy’s purported ambition and lack of loyalty, which has unsettled the rest of the Executive Council.
Akeredolu, who recently went on vacation, left Aiyedatiwa to oversee the affairs of the state in his absence. Reports, however, allege that the deputy governor prioritised his interests above that of the state and the governor. Also, some members of the Exco have accused Aiyedatiwa of peddling rumours about Akeredolu’s health and death.
Speaking anonymously, a member of the Exco stated that the deputy governor initiated the rumours surrounding the governor’s health to gain public sympathy and support for his gubernatorial ambition. However, insiders have pointed out some notable loyalists of Aiyedatiwa in the Exco.
There are speculations that Aiyedatiwa wants to take over Akeredolu’s position due to the latter’s health issues. Although the deputy governor has not officially declared his ambition to run for the gubernatorial elections in 2024, the election campaigns have allegedly begun.
Aiyedatiwa’s Press Secretary, Kenneth Odusola, debunked the rumours and called for peace in the state. He urged the public to ignore the allegations, stating that the publication was the work of opponents keen on causing disunity in the State.
