The Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus in the House of Representatives has penned an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, raising concerns about Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s perceived disregard for his late predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu, who is yet to be laid to rest.
Following the demise of Governor Akeredolu on December 27, 2023, Aiyedatiwa, the former deputy governor, assumed office as the new governor. In the open letter, signed by six federal lawmakers, including Hon. Adesida Abiodun Cornelius, Hon. Timehin Adelegbe, Hon. Festus Adefiranye Ayodele, Hon. Ojogo Donald Kimikanboh, Hon. Odimayo Okunjimi John, and Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati, they expressed concerns about Aiyedatiwa’s alleged actions since taking office.
The caucus leader, Hon. Adesida, addressed journalists in Abuja, highlighting the need for President Tinubu’s intervention to prevent a potential crisis within the APC. They accused Governor Aiyedatiwa of making decisions indicative of animosity towards the late Akeredolu and a lack of commitment to the party’s growth in the state.
The lawmakers informed President Tinubu that Governor Aiyedatiwa has been associating with political adversaries of his late predecessor, even forming alliances with the opposition party. They pointed out that key appointments, such as the Deputy Governor, reflect Aiyedatiwa’s alignment with individuals who were known to be against Akeredolu during his lifetime.
Furthermore, the lawmakers claimed that Aiyedatiwa has been attempting to erase the legacy of the late Akeredolu, taking credit for achievements that were previously approved by the deceased governor. They criticized the dissolution of local government structures and alleged marginalization of the party’s state chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, causing internal conflicts and discord among party members.
The letter emphasized the urgency for President Tinubu’s intervention to prevent the APC from suffering electoral losses in the upcoming 2024 governorship poll in Ondo State. The lawmakers expressed hope that decisive and unifying leadership would prevail, ensuring the state’s stability and the continued influence of the APC.