•Lucky Aiyedatiwa
The Ondo State APC caucus in the House of Representatives has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to help save the legacies of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The federal lawmakers also accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of undermining the party’s interests in the state.
In an open letter signed by six APC members from the state, they alleged that Governor Aiyedatiwa is actively undoing Akeredolu’s achievements and collaborating with political opponents to tarnish his legacy even after his death.
The lawmakers highlighted discrepancies between agreements made with the President before Akeredolu’s death and actions taken by Aiyedatiwa such as dissolving local government and state Executive Councils without allowing them the opportunity to pay their last respects to the late governor.
The letter reads: “First and foremost, we extend our gratitude for your steadfast leadership and commitment to the progress of our great nation. We therefore write this open letter with a deep sense of concern, as it is imperative to address the issues that have arisen subsequent to the swearing-in of the state governor, of Honorable Lucky Aiyedatiwa on the heels of the demise one man who man who stood firm and unwavering in the clamour for power shift to the South, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON.
“The purpose of this letter is to highlight these concerns, which are shared by concerned members, leaders, and staunch supporters of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ondo State. We believe that it is crucial to address these issues promptly to ensure the stability and prosperity of our state.
“As we delve into the heart of the matter, we kindly request your attention to the following highlighted areas of concern.”
The letter further read: “Mr. President, we would like to bring to your attention the unfortunate lack respect displayed by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa towards the late former Governor of our esteemed state, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, It is disheartening to witness how Governor Aiyedatiwa transformed a solemn occasion, such as his swearing-in ceremony, into a festive and joyous celebration.
“To make matters worse, he even exclaimed “Aku Orire” (congratulations to us) during the swearing-in. This action demonstrated a clear lack of sensitivity and callousness. It is important to note that the swearing-in took place barely eight hours after the announcement of Akeredolu’s passing. This revealed the depth of Mr. Aiyedatiwa’s perfidious demeanor.
“Sir, it is truly shocking that what should have been a solemn swearing-in event was instead, turned into an opportunity to celebrate a perceived “victory,” where those who remained loyal to the late Akeredolu were insulted and embarrassed right inside the hall where the event took place to the admiration and silent acquiescence of Governor Aiyedatiwa.
“Since his swearing-in as Governor, Mr. Aiyedatiwa has made series of decisions that indicate his animosity towards the late Governor and his lack of concern for the party’s growth in the state. Mr. President, you would be surprised to learn that Mr. Aiyedatiwa has been associating with staunch political enemies of the late Akeredolu and even cozying up to the opposition party.
“The Deputy Governor appointed by Mr. Aiyedatiwa is a well-known political adversary of the late Governor. Despite hailing from Owo, they never saw eye to eye during the late Governor’s lifetime.
“Olajide Adelami caused a great deal of trouble for the late Akeredolu during his bid for re-election in 2020 to which you were committed. In fact, the reports of violence, thuggery, and intimidation in Owo were solely orchestrated and executed by Adelami. It is disheartening that Mr. Aiyedatiwa chose such an individual to join him in completing the late Akeredolu’s tenure.
“Furthermore, it has become common knowledge in the state that Mr. Aiyedatiwa has aligned himself with every disgruntled and established political enemy of the late Akeredolu. The reasoning and strategy behind this overt political move remain incomprehensible.
“Moreover, is it necessary to kick a man who is already lying in the mortuary, waiting to be laid to rest six feet below?
“The appointment of Barrister Kola Olawoye, a suspended APC member and former Attorney General of the state, as Aiyedatiwa’s campaign coordinator in Owo has been widely condemned by loyal party members, particularly in Owo. Olawoye’s prior affiliations with the opposition party are more than enough reason to discredit him from serving in the APC-led administration.
“Therefore, his appointment as Aiyedatiwa’s campaign coordinator in Owo is a blatant disregard for the principles that should bind the party together. It is a gross absurdity.
“Recent events have revealed Governor Aiyedatiwa’s apparent eagerness to erase the legacy of the late Akeredolu. From the moment he took office and refused to observe a minute of silence in honour of his late principal (supposed) and presumed benefactor, he has been assuming credit for the successes and achievements of the late Akeredolu.
“For instance, the announcement of the payment of N35,000 palliative allowance for civil servants and the settlement of January 2017 salary arrears, which were previously approved by the late Akeredolu, were erroneously presented as early actions taken by Governor Aiyedatiwa. These deliberate actions raise concerns, Mr. President.
“Furthermore, Governor Aiyedatiwa proceeded to dissolve the entire local government structures, including chairmen, councillors, and all government aides and appointees. This calculated move aims to erase the footprint of his late boss, and has left the party in a state of disarray.
“Many individuals of sound judgment have questioned why the Governor couldn’t even wait until the man who appointed these council chairmen was laid to rest before dismissing them from their positions. Why the haste?
“Mr. President, the Governor has created a significant divide and caused deep discord among party members. Currently, the party’s state Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, is being marginalized and sidelined. To make matters worse,
“Governor Aiyedatiwa has resorted to sending his proxies to warn the Chairman and pressure him into resigning. It is a bad situation, sir.
“For instance, when the Governor convened a meeting of party stakeholders, Engr. Ade Adetimehin received the invitation just like other ordinary party members. However, the true party stakeholders were conspicuously absent from the gathering. This covert maneuver has only served to exacerbate the existing rift within the party and widening the cracks even further.
“There is a growing divide within our party; and it is occasioned by the seed of enmity sown by Governor Akeredoto. Those who were once loyal to Akeredolu have been sidelined, while individuals from the opposition who alligned with Mr. Aiyedatiwa in the fight against the late Akeredolu, demanding that he relinquished power to Aiyedatiwa when he was sick, now hold significant positions within the government and party.
“These actions have had a cumulative effect, resulting in the emergence of animosity within the party. The primary concern is clear: we must prevent Ondo State from falling into the hands of the opposition due to internal conflicts. As the party grapples with this tumultuous period, the urgent need for decisive and unifying leadership becomes more evident than ever.
“The decision made by Ayedatiwa to dissolve the Ondo State Executive Council has raised concerns and is being criticized as ill-conceived, imprudent, and misguided on multiple fronts. One of the main criticisms is the perceived rush behind the decision. Many questioned why the Governor couldn’t wait until the final burial of AKEREDOLU before taking such a drastic step.
“It is argued that allowing the cabinet members to attend Akeredolu’s burial would have been a fitting tribute and a way to honour his legacy. By dissolving the Executive Council before the burial, it is seen as depriving these individuals of the opportunity to pay their last respects and show their support during this difficult time.
“Furthermore, it is a clear lack of empathy and show of insensitivity towards the grieving process of Akeredolu’s family and the political associates who are mourning his demise.
“Additionally, dissolving the cabinet in such a manner raises questions about the rationale behind the decision. The timing and the lack of a clear explanation for the dissolution has led to series of speculations and doubts about the true motivations behind Ayedatiwa’s actions.
“Despite the advice from party elders to delay any appointments until the final burial of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, his successor-governor chose to ignore their counsel.
“To exacerbate the situation, he even appointed Omotayo Oluwatuyi (Tukana) as the Secretary to the Government of Ondo State (SGG), without consulting with you Mr. President, who had recently appointed Oluwatuyi as a representative of Ondo State in the National Population Commission. These actions demonstrated a clear disregard for the party’s leadership in the state and President Tinubu.
“It is our fervent hope that Ondo, the Sunshine State, will be saved from further turmoil, and that the APC’s influence in the state will not wane. As representatives of the good people of Ondo State in the National Assembly, we pray that your Presidency will be guided by divine wisdom, resulting in remarkable development, peace, prosperity and renewed hope for all Nigerians.”
The members of the caucus are Adesida Abiodun Cornelius Aderin (Akure North/South), Timehin Adelegbe (Owo/Ose), Festus Adefiranye Ayodele (Ileoluji- Okeigbo/Odigbo), Ojogo Donald Kimikanboh(Ilaje/ Ese- Odo), Odimayo Okunjimi John (Okitipupa/Irele) and Adegboyega Adefarati (Akoko south West/ South East).
