By Ayo Yusuf
As the governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, prepares to return home after two months of medical treatment abroad, some members of his executive council, including his deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, are reportedly worried over their fate.
This development is not unconnected with the controversy that surrounded the governor‘s condition shortly before he was flown abroad when some in his cabinet suggested he was too incapacitated to continue to rule the state.
TheNewDiplomat gathered that in the last few weeks since news of his improved health began to filter into the state, a palpable sense of fear and anxiety has enveloped the Ondo State Government House.
Sources claimed that the deputy governor, Mr. Aiyedatiwa, has been meeting with leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in an attempt to beg forgiveness for his previous comments and actions.
While the governor was receiving medical care in Germany, Mr. Aiyedatiwa was reportedly involved in plotting to coerce the governor into resigning on health grounds.
A source within the Executive Council explained that the deputy governor and his supporters have been restless since the emergence of pictures and videos online showing the governor in the process of recovery.
According to our source, the acting governor and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Gbenga Ale, had assured certain members of the Executive Council that the governor would not be returning.
Some members of the Executive Council who aligned themselves with Aiyedatiwa were reportedly convinced that the governor either would not return alive or would resign, thereby allowing the deputy governor to assume the position of governor.
It was also revealed that these members of the Executive Council had been promised various positions and juicy ministries.
The Chief of Staff, Mr. Ale, was allegedly promised the position of Secretary to the State Government, while a Commissioner, Rasaq Obe, was promised the position of deputy governor to Mr. Aiyedatiwa.
The deputy governor and his caucus have reportedly been thrown into utter confusion following the release of pictures and videos of the recovering governor by the Governor’s Wife, Betty Akeredolu, and the Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi.
Reliable sources indicated that Mr. Aiyedatiwa has met with former National Secretary of the APC, Iyiola Omisore, former Southwest Chairman of the party, Chief Pius Akinyelure, and former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi. These meetings were reportedly held separately in Abuja.
The deputy governor is said to be visiting these APC leaders in an attempt to gain their favor and secure their support in persuading the governor to overlook his actions.
An Abuja source stated, “Aiyedatiwa is playing a dangerous game. He wants leaders to plead with his boss to forgive his treacherous actions, but at the same time, he is still playing games. He has been dishonest with virtually everyone here in Abuja. He is very strategic in his moves, especially when it concerns his boss. He has been scheming and constantly moving from one place to another, all in the name of politics.”
Another reliable source in Akure, who requested anonymity due to her position in government, revealed, “I was accused of being loyal to Aiyedatiwa. It is true that the deputy governor made some moves. He invited me and others to several meetings and shared information that cannot be disclosed at this time.
“I believe he received false information suggesting that the governor would not return. I know this because he was overly confident about that fact. He was already envisioning himself as the waiting governor.”
“Aiyedatiwa told us that the governor could no longer move his hands. He mentioned some files he took to Ibadan that were signed and returned to him. According to him, the governor did not sign those files himself. He concluded that the governor would not be coming back.
“As it stands, apart from meeting with both APC and opposition leaders in Abuja, the acting governor is also reaching out to certain members of the House of Assembly. Right now, he is in a state of panic.
“The impact of the false information he received regarding the governor’s health has caused a lot of trouble.”
“Not only him, even the Chief of Staff, who believed the governor would not make it, is now running around. The Chief of Staff, Ale, completely disregarded the governor, to the point where he took over the responsibilities of the Deputy Chief of Staff in the office of the deputy governor.
Meanwhile, a group called “Ondo Youths for Accountability” has raised alarm over an alleged approval and expenditure of N200 million for the recently held Ondo Summit in the state.
According to the group’s coordinator, Taiwo Hassan, the Permanent Secretaries of various ministries were compelled to pay N1.2 million each to allow three delegates from their respective ministries to attend the event.
The group also highlighted that local governments in the state were forced to pay N1 million to attend the summit.
In a statement issued in Akure, the state capital, Mr. Hassan described this development as unacceptable and unfair, noting
“We are saddened by the recent actions of the acting governor, who unilaterally approved a whopping sum of N200 million for the Develop Ondo.”
Ten days ago, Governor Akeredolu had disowned a video circulating on social media showing his arrival from his medical vacation.
A statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, noted that the governor was still in Germany, focussing on his full recovery.
The statement read, “Our attention has been drawn to a recent video circulating on social media, suggesting the return of Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, from his medical vacation.
“While we acknowledge the eagerness of the people of the state, as well as supporters and well-wishers from both within and outside the country to have the Governor back, we want to clarify that Governor Akeredolu is currently in Germany, focused on his full recovery.
“Governor Akeredolu extends his deep appreciation to the citizens of Ondo State for their unwavering prayers and support.
“Their genuine concern and compassion have been instrumental in aiding his recovery journey.
“It’s important to note that Governor Akeredolu will return to the state very soon to continue executing his administration’s Redeemed Agenda and providing impactful governance.
His commitment to delivering positive and lasting development remains steadfast.”
