There is growing tension among members of the Ondo State Executive Council regarding an alleged power struggle between Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The situation has arisen due to rumors surrounding the governor's health, leading to speculation that Aiyedatiwa is attempting to challenge Akeredolu for the governorship seat.
Sources within the cabinet have revealed that Akeredolu is now aware of his deputy's alleged disloyalty and is proceeding cautiously. Trouble reportedly began when Akeredolu went on vacation and left Aiyedatiwa in charge of the governor's office. During this period, the deputy governor is said to have prioritized his personal interests over those of the state and the governor.
Some members of the executive council have also accused Aiyedatiwa of spreading rumors about the governor's health and even his death. It is alleged that the deputy governor initiated these rumors in order to gain public sympathy and support for his own ambitions.
According to insiders, Aiyedatiwa has already begun assembling his own cabinets and has promised certain positions to government officials if his attempt to remove the governor from office is successful. This includes offering the position of deputy governor to a commissioner and appointing another cabinet member as Secretary to the State Government. It is claimed that two commissioners are currently vying for the deputy governor position, while a Special Adviser has pledged allegiance to Aiyedatiwa in hopes of securing the position of NDDC State Representative.
Amidst these developments, there have been claims that the governor and deputy governor met recently and that the governor signed several documents, including the salary for the Local Government. However, concerns have been raised over Aiyedatiwa's silence in the face of negative media reports about his boss, leading to suspicions that he may be responsible for fueling such reports.
In response to these allegations, Aiyedatiwa's Press Secretary, Kenneth Odusola, has dismissed them as falsehoods intended to create unnecessary tension in the state. He emphasized that the allegations against the deputy governor are baseless and driven by malicious intentions to disrupt the peace and stability of Ondo State.
Despite these denials, the situation remains tense within the Ondo State Executive Council, with rumors and power dynamics adding to the uncertainty surrounding Akeredolu's leadership and Aiyedatiwa's intentions.
