AIYEDATIWA: BETWEEN SERVICE AND AMBITION

By Pius Olasanmi

It is no longer news that the relationship between the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and his boss, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has become strained.

Reports suggest that the deputy governor has caused division within the State Executive Council in an attempt to pressure the governor into transferring power to him. This move has infuriated loyalists of Governor Akeredolu in the cabinet, who perceive Aiyedatiwa’s actions as disloyal.

Recently, social media was abuzz with various stories concerning the governor’s health. Initially, the headlines hinted at the governor being bedridden and unable to carry out his duties. The following day, rumors of his death circulated.

The manner in which these information and stories circulated on social media indicated a coordinated smear campaign against the governor. The situation became clearer when certain individuals called for the governor to hand over power to the deputy governor.

Amidst these controversies, the deputy governor maintained a conspicuous silence. No statements or press releases were issued from his office to defend his boss or clarify the situation. It was evident that he understood that if public outcry gained momentum, he would be the primary beneficiary. It seemed he desired to become the governor.

Undoubtedly, there is nothing wrong with ambition. However, the real question should revolve around the cost of one’s ambition. Why would someone seek to wrest power from their boss when they could support and help the system function smoothly? The current tenure will end in February 2025, and elections for the office of the governor are scheduled for next year. Is the deputy governor too fearful to run for election, or is he overly eager to become governor?

The call for the governor to hand over power to Aiyedatiwa is premature. It defies logic and does not represent the interests of the people. The deputy governor’s attempt to forcefully seize power from his boss is self-serving and malicious.

In January, the governor, through a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, allayed our concerns about his health. While acknowledging that he faced some health challenges, he explained that he had received treatment and was swiftly recovering. Since January, when rumors of his health were circulated on social media, he has successfully carried out his duties.

Governor Akeredolu actively participated in the campaign and election process that led to the presidency of President Bola Tinubu. He was deeply involved and supported the APC candidates in the state. All of this occurred after the rumors of his supposed bedridden state in January.

In April, the governor took a vacation. During this time, another story was circulated claiming he was sick and unable to communicate. However, upon his return to office, Governor Akeredolu proved his detractors wrong by actively engaging in his duties, displaying no signs of incapacity as widely claimed by his enemies within.

On May 9, 2023, Governor Akeredolu chaired a State Executive Council meeting that lasted nearly five hours. Later, he received the Merit Award from the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV). The award was presented to the governor by the Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Pastor Femi Agagu, who received the Award on his behalf during the NIESV Award Ceremony in Abuja.

Continuing his functions, on May 17, 2023, Governor Akeredolu once again presided over a State Executive Council meeting that lasted approximately four hours. During this meeting, significant decisions were made.

Moreover, the governor welcomed a delegation from the Ondo State Cocoa Council, led by Chairman Dr. Olusegun Awolumate. During their discussion, Governor Akeredolu reassured the delegation that the state would soon regain its position as a leader in quality cocoa production within the country.

Throughout that week, the governor dedicated time to attending to official matters, including reviewing files and hosting official guests. The following week, he visited the construction site of the new government house lodge within the premises of the government house. Additionally, he received a few visitors at home, signed documents, and granted approvals.

Towards the end of May, the governor traveled to Ibadan, seemingly to take a break from his demanding schedule. Meanwhile, while the governor was in Ibadan, his deputy held secret meetings with members of the State Executive Council, offering them various positions in an apparent attempt to secure their support in transferring power to him.

It is worth noting that despite claims of the governor’s alleged bedridden state and incapacity, he personally signed the May 2023 salary documents during the last week of May.

Furthermore, he also signed the local government salary documents that were taken to Ibadan by Aiyedatiwa, the deputy governor. Aiyedatiwa had the opportunity to see the governor during this time and witness his well-being and active state, as he was resting but in good spirits, engaging in friendly banter with friends and acquaintances.

Upon returning to Akure, Aiyedatiwa reportedly continued his attacks on the governor, showing a clear inclination towards fulfilling his ambitious desires. He has seemingly surrendered his integrity in pursuit of power, displaying arrogance towards exco members perceived to be loyal to the governor.

A particularly disrespectful incident occurred during the Mass held for the victims of the June 5 attack at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo on Saturday. Aiyedatiwa demonstrated disrespect towards the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu. Even Governor Akeredolu holds the SSG in high regard, referring to her as “Aunty.” In the presence of the congregation, the deputy governor displayed aggression by hitting Odu with a brochure.

There are also complaints about the deputy governor’s failure to represent the governor adequately. The truth is that Governor Akeredolu goes on vacation every year and has consistently entrusted power to Aiyedatiwa. The question arises: why is Aiyedatiwa now fervently attempting to seize power from the governor?
What is preventing Aiyedatiwa from attending official functions or representing his boss?

The government is functioning smoothly, with dedicated offices responsible for organizing itineraries and planning functions. The protocol office is fully operational, and Aiyedatiwa’s foot soldier, the Chief of Staff, allocates duties and schedules appointments. Why aren’t they taking charge of organizing functions and responsibilities themselves?

The truth of the matter is that the deputy governor’s interest lies solely in becoming the governor. He does not care about the capabilities of his boss; he is blinded by his lust for power.

However, as usual, they will be surprised to see Governor Akeredolu back behind his desk soon. This time, Akeredolu has outsmarted them, intentionally remaining silent to observe all the cards being played. Aiyedatiwa and his group within the cabinet have revealed their hands, and Aketi will now assess their loyalty.

Despite these internal conflicts, services continue to be rendered to the people of Ondo State. Infrastructure projects are progressing, salaries are being paid, and the government is functioning at full capacity.

It is worth celebrating the construction of a flyover on the Onyarubulem/Shagari/Irese road and ongoing work on the Crest FM road in Alagbaka. The Alagbaka-SIB road construction is also making progress.

Before concluding, it is important to question why Aiyedatiwa and his paid supporters have not apologized to the people of the state for fabricating a story about a supposed cabal attempting to install an Owo man as the Speaker of Ondo State to impeach him. Now that an Ondo man holds the position of Speaker, why hasn’t Aiyedatiwa issued an apology? It is indeed a shame.

It is evident that the deputy governor is driven more by ambition than by a genuine commitment to public service.

Pius Olasanmi writes from Orita-Obele, Akure.