A group of All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers in the House of Representatives, aligned with the late Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and caution Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over alleged disrespect for their late principal.
The call comes after Aiyedatiwa assumed the position of governor following Akeredolu’s demise on December 27, 2023.
In an open letter addressed to President Tinubu and signed by six lawmakers, namely Adesida Abiodun (Akure North/South), Timehin Adelegbe (Owo/Ose), Festus Ayodele (Ileoluji- Okeigbo/Odigbo), Ojogo Kimikanboh (Ilaje/Ese-Odo), Odimayo John (Okitipupa/Irele), and Adegboyega Adefarati (Akoko South West/South East) Federal Constituencies, the lawmakers expressed concerns over Aiyedatiwa’s actions and warned of potential consequences for the APC if corrective measures are not taken.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Adesida, the leader of the caucus, accused Governor Aiyedatiwa of making official decisions that showed a lack of respect for the legacies left by the late Akeredolu.
He specifically pointed to the appointment of a deputy governor, Olajide Adelami, who was known to be a political adversary of the late governor.
Adesida stated, “Mr. President, the governor has created a significant divide and caused deep discord among party members. Currently, the party’s state Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, is being marginalised and sidelined. To make matters worse, Governor Aiyedatiwa has resorted to sending his proxies to warn the chairman and pressure him into resigning.”
The lawmakers called on President Tinubu to prevent internal conflicts from causing Ondo State to fall into the hands of the opposition, adding that there is an urgent need for decisive and unifying leadership.
However, a lawmaker representing Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency, Abiola Makinde, responded to his colleagues’ concerns, describing their loyalty to late Akeredolu as fake.
He questioned the sudden show of support for the deceased governor, stating that the caucus had not paid a condolence visit to Akeredolu’s family since his death.
As of now, there has been no official response from President Tinubu or Governor Aiyedatiwa regarding the concerns raised by the APC lawmakers.
