Ondo state’s Political aberrations and H.E. Aiyedatiwa – Akeredolu

The current anomalies in the governance of Ondo state, in which H.E. Lucky Aiyedatiwa has failed to make firm decisions and exercise the power conferred on him by the Nigerian constitution to hire and fire anyone in the cabinet, including the Secretary to the State Government, portray him as a weakling. No reasonable citizen of Ondo state can support his governance beyond 2024

I want to appreciate the many people both within and outside Aketi’s government who have reached out to me, persuading me to find a place in my heart to forgive the governor if the ailing Arakunrin had offended me in the past. I want to categorically state that I don’t hold anything against Aketi or his family members. My honest concerns are all about good governance for the impoverished people of Ondo State. Despite the spurious allegations spread by Arakunrin’s media aides against me, I maintain that my intentions are sincere. They claim I have been sponsored by certain politicians in the state, but the truth is that no amount of money could induce a man with a promising future to go this far, considering the risks involved in speaking the truth in our society, which has been deeply infiltrated by political opportunists.

A staff member at Rufus Giwa Polytechnics, Owo, once called me to express appreciation for my stance in support of the poor and voiceless in the state. He inquired if I was moving around with security details for protection, given the risk of assassination from desperate politicians. I mention this to make it clear that I would be foolish to allow selfish politicians to toy with my destiny for mere peanuts. My point is that my actions are driven by conviction. I have no affiliation with H.E. Agboola Ajayi, Sen. Tayo Alasoadura, or H.E. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the current deputy governor, as speculated by Aketi’s political supporters. However, these individuals had at some points benefited from my efforts for justice and fairness. For instance, I wrote in support of H.E. Agboola Ajayi during the last national assembly elections when he contested against Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim, due to his unfair treatment by Aketi and his family members. I did so without seeking recognition or compensation.

Similarly, I penned several articles in favour of former President Buhari’s minister, having witnessed Sen. Alasoadura’s assistance to Aketi and how it was reciprocated. When Aketi failed to hand over the government to the deputy governor in an acting capacity as stipulated by the Nigerian constitution, and the Owo cabals attempted to rule by proxy, I voiced my dissent. I challenge anyone with evidence of financial inducement or entitlement from any individual to bring it to light. My aim is to dispel doubts about the authenticity of my concerns.

Without delay, Ondo state has not experienced a challenging period like this since its inception over four decades ago. The lack of orderliness in the government’s structure can be traced to the weakness of our acting governor, H.E. Lucky Aiyedatiwa. As the former aide of Goodluck Jonathan rightly stated, weakness in leadership is not a virtue but rather a form of wickedness, courtesy of Mr Reno Omokri . No reasonable Ondo state resident can absolve the current acting governor of the perceived aberrations of Aketi’s administration while he holds the fort for the ailing governor. Historically, heroic adventures are valued in the Sunshine State, as reflected in the names ‘Akin, Akogun, Balogun and others,’ meaning hero and war related names which common with the our people. However, H.E. Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s governance thus far as the acting governor showcases a lacklustre approach. There is no clarity about who is in charge. One would expect someone who is preparing to assume the mantle in 2024 to demonstrate his capability to the citizens.

The palliative committee, which he( Aiyedatiwa) should have chaired and ensured the significant alleviation of people’s pain, witnessed H.E. Lucky Aiyedatiwa relinquishing his responsibility to the finance commissioner is sad, either willingly or unwillingly, there is no reasonable excuse for this government’s aberration. Additionally, I recently stumbled upon an article by a law lecturer at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, criticizing the Aketi’s media aides, particularly Chief Press Secretary Richard Olatunde, for referencing the current state government’s activities in Aketi’s name instead of the acting governor’s. It’s no surprise that this Owo-born media man has displayed unprofessional behaviour. My research into Richard’s background reveals that his highest education level is a national diploma, making him the least educated spokesman for the governor in the history of Ondo state.

The final straw that broke the camel’s back was the presentation of brand-new executive jeeps to the 26 House of Assembly members in the state. Allow me to clarify my intention here. While the honourable members deserve better packages, the timing of providing these extravagant official cars in an open event, considering the unprecedented current hardships and the inadequate palliative efforts led by Mr Wale Akinterinwa, only reflects a tremendous insensitivity from the acting governor. It’s equally embarrassing that the current leader of the state, H.E. lucky Aiyedatiwa didn’t attend such an occasion to honour the parliamentarians. Instead, the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Oladuni Odu, and the party chairman, Mr Ade Adetimehin, were present. The acting governor was found at the BEMORE camp, the pet project of Aketi’s wife for secondary school girls, along with Chief Olusola Oke. Undoubtedly, the recent government aberrations have cast a negative light on H.E. Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s leadership capabilities.

Dr. Akeredolu O.N, Leader of Aketi Medical Team (2016), Vice Chairman of Aketi-Aiyedatiwa Medical Committee (2020)

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