Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu GCFR should urge Aketi to halt the ongoing political turmoil in the Sunshine State. The successful 1983 coup d’état was attributed to Pa. Adekunle Ajasin and Bar. Akin Omoboriowo’s political war, who were then the governor and deputy governor respectively. Asiwaju and other leaders must intervene to prevent Aketi from undermining our current democracy. Nigeria’s only immunity against the prevailing coups in African countries is upholding democratic principles. Aketi served as the Attorney General of Ondo State during Abacha’s oppressive military era, which nearly cost your (Tinubu’s) life. We do not want war in Ondo State; we unequivocally reject coups in Nigeria. Asiwaju, kindly call Aketi to order.
The nation called Uganda will never forget a man named Idi Amin Dada Oume. Born in the city of Koboko, now in the Northwest of modern Uganda, to a Kakwa father and a Lagura mother, Amin initially joined the King’s African Rifles (KAR) of the British Colonial Army as a cook. He later rose to the rank of lieutenant, participating in British actions against Somali rebels and the Mau Mau Uprising in Kenya. Amin continued his military career, eventually becoming a major and being appointed as the commander of the Uganda Army in 1965.
Amin became aware of Ugandan President Milton Obote’s plans to arrest him for misappropriating army funds. In response, he launched the 1971 Ugandan coup d’état, declared himself president, and ruled the country with an iron fist for eight years. He ended his chapter in history as one of the most feared leaders in the modern world, consolidating power within his family and giving his teenage son the highest order in Uganda, while simultaneously depleting the nation’s resources.
Similarly, Governor Akeredolu Oluwarotimi SAN of Ondo State assumed the role of the state’s elected chief executive in 2017, a period marked by continuous unrest. Starting with the controversial APC primaries that led to his nomination, which over 50% of the Appeal Committee members declared null and void. Chief John Odigie Oyegun, then the national chairman, ultimately resolved the dispute and ensured that Arakunrin’s mandate saw the light of day.
Aketi’s second term will conclude in February 2025. Like the dictator Idi Amin in Uganda, Ondo State is effectively governed by his family. It has reached a point where it is unclear who the actual governor is among Aketi, his wife Betty, and their beloved son Babajide. The primary issue with his former deputy, H.E. Agboola Ajayi, stemmed from his refusal to accept undue influence from Arakunrin’s egocentric family members, specifically his wife and son, who had assumed the roles of unofficial Prime Minister and de facto governor while sidelining the deputy governor.
It is worth noting that no First Lady in the history of the state has wielded as much political power as Chief Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu. Previous First Ladies, such as Chief Mrs Olufunke Ajasin (1979 to 1983), Mrs. Bolatito Olumilua (1991 to 1992), Mrs. Adetutu Adefarati (1999 to 2003), Mrs. Olunfunke Agagu (2003 to 2009), and Mrs. Kemi Mimiko (2009 to 2016), while respected, did not exert the same level of influence. However, the influence of the current First Lady, Ada of Owerri, knows no bounds. An Igbo woman is being groomed as the next chairman of Odigbo LGA, thanks to our influential First Lady.
During Pa Adekunle Ajasin’s era, it was reported that Mr. Tokunbo Ajasin, the heir of the great Owo-born politician, played no significant role in politics. Likewise, Hon. Gboyega Adefarati, the current member of the House of Representatives, had minimal influence during his father’s administration. The late Dr. Agagu’s era was characterized by the absence of his only son, Mr. Feyi Agagu, from political appointments. In fact, unverified reports suggested that the young man prostrated to greet his father’s elderly appointees, lest he face his father’s disciplinary measures.
The number of days spent by Dr. Mimiko’s children in the government house during his unprecedented eight-year rule was limited. The situation in Ondo State differs greatly, as I believe that Babajide Akeredolu wields more political influence than his father, whom we elected as governor. H.E. Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s only transgression was advocating from people for Aketi to delegate his powers during his three-month medical leave, which was met with resistance from Arakunrin’s immediate family and the Owo cabals who sought to rule on his behalf, a move that was rejected by the people.
While Tinubu and other pro-democratic figures fought for our current democracy, Aketi was serving as the Attorney General for the dictator’s representative in Ondo State. The only remedy for coups is to uphold democratic principles among key players. Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and APC leaders must intervene to halt Aketi’s current political recklessness. They should learn from history; Pa Adekunle Ajasin and Bar. Akin Omoboriowo’s discord contributed to the 1983 coup d’état, as they were the governor and deputy governor at the time. While Aketi was cosying up with the military, Asiwaju of Lagos State risked his life for our current democracy, and the scars from that struggle are still visible on the political body of Jagaban of Borgu. His house was ransacked, and essential documents, including his credentials, were set ablaze.
Considering their past sacrifices, they must not allow Aketi to undermine our democracy. We should learn from the situations in neighbouring countries, and we must adamantly reject coups in Nigeria. Democracy is the solution. Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, please intervene before Aketi, the new Idi Amin of Ondo State, destabilizes our democratic foundation.
Peoplesmind
Dr. Akeredolu O.N, Leader of the Medical Team in 2016 and Vice Chairman of the Aketi-Aiyedatiwa Medical Committee in 2020.
