By Our Reporter
Former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Prince Lasisi Oluboyo, has moved to quash speculation of a political rift between Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, describing the claims as “dangerous, unfounded and divisive”.
In a statement issued yesterday, Oluboyo, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said media reports suggesting a clash between the two prominent figures were aimed at destabilising the party in the Sunshine State.
He praised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership since assuming office after the death of his boss, the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, saying his “maturity, inclusiveness and capacity” had helped maintain political stability in Ondo State.
Oluboyo stressed that contrary to rumours, the governor and the minister had enjoyed a cordial working relationship, citing Aiyedatiwa’s recognition of Tunji-Ojo’s contributions to the APC’s success in the last gubernatorial poll.
He pointed to the appointment of two commissioners, Hon. Niyi Oseni and Hon. Rasheed Badmus on the minister’s nomination, as well as several chairmanship positions in Akoko North East and West councils and various Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
Oluboyo also noted the governor’s readiness to work with opposition defectors introduced by the minister, including Hon. Bode Obanla, who was appointed Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement (Ondo North) after defecting from the PDP.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa retained more than 20 Special Assistants nominated by Dr. Tunji-Ojo, still serving with full privileges. These are not the actions of men at war, but of leaders in unity,” he said.
The former deputy governor reminded party members that in Nigerian politics, the sitting governor remains the leader of the party in his state, urging all stakeholders to rally behind Aiyedatiwa to strengthen the APC ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution those allegedly using the minister’s name to foment division, and urged Dr. Tunji-Ojo to give his “full and open” support to the governor’s leadership.
“What we need now is not fanning imaginary conflicts but consolidating efforts for victory in 2027. Ondo APC must remain one strong, indivisible family,” Oluboyo concluded.
