In a recent development, six federal lawmakers from the Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus in the House of Representatives have penned an open letter to President Bola Tinubu. The letter raises concerns about Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s alleged disregard for the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who recently passed away on December 27, 2023.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, formerly the deputy governor, assumed the role of governor following Akeredolu’s demise. The lawmakers, including Hon. Adesida Abiodun Cornelius, Hon. Timehin Adelegbe, Hon. Festus Adefiranye Ayodele, Hon. Ojogo Donald Kimikanboh, Hon. Odimayo Okunjimi John, and Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati, expressed their concerns during a press briefing in Abuja.
The caucus leader, Hon. Adesida, urged President Tinubu to intervene, alleging that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s actions could lead to internal conflicts within the APC, potentially resulting in electoral losses in the 2024 governorship poll in Ondo State. They accused the governor of making decisions that indicate animosity towards the late Akeredolu and a lack of commitment to the party’s growth in the state.
The lawmakers pointed out that Governor Aiyedatiwa has been associating with political adversaries of the late Akeredolu and even aligning himself with the opposition party. They highlighted the appointment of individuals with a history of opposition to Akeredolu, such as Barrister Kola Olawoye, as concerning to loyal party members.
According to Hon. Adesida, recent events have shown Governor Aiyedatiwa’s eagerness to erase the late Akeredolu’s legacy and wrongfully take credit for the achievements of the deceased. They cited instances where the governor presented previously approved initiatives by Akeredolu as his own, causing disarray within the party.
The letter to President Tinubu further expressed concerns about the dissolution of the entire local government structures by Governor Aiyedatiwa, a move seen as an attempt to erase the late governor’s influence. The lawmakers emphasized the growing divide within the party and the marginalization of the state party chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin.
In their plea to President Tinubu, the lawmakers urged decisive and unifying leadership to prevent further internal conflicts and maintain the APC’s influence in Ondo State. They criticized the hurried dissolution of the Ondo State Executive Council, questioning the timing before the final burial of Akeredolu.
The letter concluded with a fervent hope for stability in Ondo State, emphasizing the need for the APC’s influence to remain strong, and seeking the president’s guidance for development, peace, and prosperity in the region.
