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Tag: Aiyedatiwa

  • ‘There was disagreement between Akeredolu, Aiyedatiwa’

    ‘There was disagreement between Akeredolu, Aiyedatiwa’

    A group, Aketi Legacy Movement (ALM), yesterday insisted that there was breakdown in the relationship between the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yomi Ayodele, the group denied Governor Aiyedatiwa’s claim that there was no rift between him and the late Akeredolu.

    Aiyedatiwa has consistently denied ever having any misunderstanding with the late governor.

    During an interview on a national TV last Friday, Aiyedatiwa insisted that there was no crisis between him and the late Akeredolu.

    He accused some politicians of being behind the crisis story.

    Read Also: Don’t abandon Akeredolu’s projects, Owo APC elders beg Aiyedatiwa

    But ALM said when Akeredolu was in Germany battling for his life, Aiyedatiwa “polarised the state executive council (exco) for selfish reasons.”

    Ayodele said: “Aiyedatiwa and some exco members collaborated to share political offices among themselves because of their belief that the late Akeredolu would not return alive from Germany.”

    According to the statement, “some of the then exco members are those with the governor today.”

    The group said Akeredolu’s loyalists became even more disappointed when they discovered the circulation of death wish for Akeredolu on the social media.

    Upon his return on September 6, 2023, Ayodele revealed that the late Akeredolu ordered his security aides to ensure that Aiyedatiwa didn’t have any physical contact with him.

  • Ondo State on the march again

    Ondo State on the march again

    By Olu Ayela

    With the burial rites of the late governor of Ondo State, Ogbeni Rotimi Akeredolu over, political pundits have resumed work on how the Yar’Adua/Goodluck Jonathan model would either be replicated in the state or annuled. Ordinarily, Governor Akeredolu endorsed the incumbent governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa as his successor, the video is in public sphere for all to screen.

    But for some time, the rat race for the office has dominated discussions among concerned Ondo State indigenes and well wishers. The resumption of democracy in 1999 had meant that each senatorial district would rotate the production of governors for the state. The open declaration of late Governor Akeredolu had also settled who the governor should be after him. Nonetheless, what is happening in Ondo State now is virtually reopening old wounds, to the end that the media are beginning to second guess where the pendulum would swing at the end of the day.

     There is no doubt that the All Progressive Party (APC) has put in place a good strategy to restore decorum and party loyalty permanently in Ondo State. Indeed the general consensus among politicians, stakeholders and the people is continuity, as the party once did at the federal level.

     Besides, as Akeredolu noted in his endorsement of the “Omoluwabi”, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, it is only the Ondo South,Ilaja, a major dialect in the Ondo South Senatorial District, that had not produced a governor before, harping that the incumbent governor would succeed him as the Lord liveth. It was the obvious fact that Governor Akeredolu expressed the truism that the race be limited to Ondo South that informed the sudden bump of some roguish spoilers into the ring.

    Read Also; PBAT and unrelenting opposition (2)

    There is even a widespread rumour that an aspirant had started distributing money round the state to change the fundamental contours of the nomination and election of the governorship candidate in April and November, respectively. It is on this note that it became incumbent that stakeholders in the Ondo progressive discourse and realization need to be involved, because a man who has no interest in public affairs is not only harmless but he is an unworthy character according to Pericles of Athens. This write up is to appeal to stomach infrastructure politicians whose interest is only in temporary satisfaction without an iota of concern for future repercussion. There is no doubt that the ways of this politician have always been rocky. He is known nationwide as a spoiler. He pitches his tent anywhere progress is envisaged only to destroy. APC leadership and other enlightened state leaders should be careful over ambitious politicians in the state who offend norms of democratic behavior . They should know when to call it quit , when to forget about elective office. In this light, one Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN,) should understand the dynamics of politics. The political situation of the state has changed.

     He should have been governor of the state about eight or twelve years ago, but fate didn’t smile at him, unfortunately. All he needs to do now is to support Governor Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to succeed. The governor could be of assistance to him in the future political endeavors. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa should be supported to face nation building task. He has the mandate of the people, and as it is said, “What’s gonna be; is gonna be.” Let him make his mark for the period he is there and let conspirators do what they know best. In spite of all, know that power is a bundle of adversity, and each day’s adversity is sufficient for it. At the end of the day, one’s contributions to national life become part of the history that historians bandy about.

     • Olu Ayela, Veteran journalist, based in Lagos .

  • Don’t abandon Akeredolu’s projects, Owo APC elders beg Aiyedatiwa

    Don’t abandon Akeredolu’s projects, Owo APC elders beg Aiyedatiwa

    Elders of the All Progressives Congress in Owo/Ose federal constituency have appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa not to abandon the numerous projects late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu started in the localities.

    The elders also begged Aiyedatiwa to fulfill late Akeredolu’s wish to build a cancer treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.

    A statement signed by chairman of the forum, Chief Thomas Akinbola, said the ongoing road projects in both Owo and Ose must not be stopped.

    Read Also; Fuel subsidy was costing FG N400bn monthly – Edun

    The statement said Akeredolu emerged at a time Owo was in search of political leadership after the demise of Chief Adekunle Ajasin.

    It said late Akeredolu re-nacted politcal leadership in the history.

    According to the statement, “Projects is ongoing all of Owo and Ose. We appeal to Aiyedatiwa to complete all the projects.

    “Akeredolu re-enacted political leadership in Owo. He achieved a lot not only in Owo but all parts of Ondo State.

    “He had the audacity to fight the federal government to establish Ondo State Security Corps known as Amotekun to curtail menace of Fulani herdsmen.”

  • No plan to scrap Ondo LCDAs, says Aiyedatiwa

    No plan to scrap Ondo LCDAs, says Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has denied plans to scrap the 33 local council development areas (LCDAs) created by the late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    He said the LCDAs were part of the legacies of the late Akeredolu that must be preserved.

    Aiyedatiwa said his administration would soon constitute transition committees for the 18 local governments and 33 LCDAs.

    He spoke at a meeting with former members of caretaker committees of the local governments and local council development areas constituted by the late Akeredolu.

    The governor said he had no plan to abolish the LCDAs, adding that the case instituted in court by the opposition party and subsequent court injunction prevented inauguration and assumption of office by former caretaker committee members.

    He said efforts were on to resolve the case through a political solution, which had been granted by the court.

    Read Also: Be patient, Tinubu’s policies yielding results, Bagudu begs Nigerians

    Aiyedatiwa said errors made in the composition of the list of the appointees would be corrected and transition committees would be inaugurated.

    “It is important for us to come together as one big family for the progress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the development of our state,” he said, stressing that there was no division in the party’s leadership.

    Ondo APC Chairman Ade Adetimehin, an engineer; echoed the governor’s words of unity in the party, hailing Aiyedatiwa for interface with party members.

  • Aiyedatiwa denies plans to scrap LCDAs

    Aiyedatiwa denies plans to scrap LCDAs

    Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has denied plans to scrap the 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) created by late former governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    Aiyedatiwa said the creation of LCDAs is one of the legacies of late Akeredolu that must be preserved.

    He stated that his administration would soon constitute transition committees for the 18 Local Government Areas and 33 LCDAs.

    He spoke at a meeting with former members of caretaker committees of the LGAs and LCDAs constituted by the late Akeredolu.

    Read Also: Ondo APC denies rift with Gov Aiyedatiwa

    The governor said he has no plans to abolish the LCDAs and explained that the case instituted in court by the opposition party and subsequent court injunction prevented the inauguration and assumption of office by former caretaker committee members.

    He stated that efforts were on to resolve the court case through a political solution which has been granted by the court.

    He said all errors made in the composition of the list of appointees would be corrected and transition committees would be inaugurated.

    “It is important for us to come together as one big family for the progress of the APC and the development of our State,” he said, stressing that there is no division in the party’s leadership.

    Ondo APC chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, echoed the governor’s words of unity in the party, commending the Governor for the interface with the party members.

  • Ondo APC denies rift with Gov Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo APC denies rift with Gov Aiyedatiwa

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has denied having rift with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    It said the allegations by some House of Representatives against Aiyedatiwa were unfounded and embarrassing.

    The Ondo APC said it held discussions with Aiyedatiwa on how to further build the party and promote unity within the fold with a view to securing victory for APC in the November governorship election.

    A statement by spokesman of the Ondo APC, Alex Kalejaiye, said Governor Aiyedatiwa never talked about personal ambition but expressed desire to ensure befitting burial for late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    Read Also: Ondo 2024: Call Aiyedatiwa to order, group begs Tinubu

    Kalehaiye stated that all concerns raised by the party Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, were considered by the Governor.

    According to the statement: “The party appreciates the two gentlemen, Honourables Abiola Makinde and Donald Ojogo, for taking time to discredit the spurious allegations put forward by their colleagues.

    “For the records, there is no rancor nor bad blood between the Governor and the party structures in the state. The development of the chapter is the crux of all decisions and activities in the State.

    “We expect party leaders, including the federal lawmakers, to key into the focus and support laudable ideas that befit nobility. For now, Ondo State does not deserve discordant tunes, that betray malice and self-servicing.”

  • I wish Akeredolu were alive to witness me stepping into his shoes – Aiyedatiwa

    I wish Akeredolu were alive to witness me stepping into his shoes – Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said he would have loved his late boss, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, to be alive to see him become governor of the state.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa said the late Akeredolu would have been proud of him as a worthy successor.

    Aiyedatiwa firmly asserted that it had been the late Akeredolu’s desire for him (Aiyedatiwa) to succeed him as governor.

    He spoke in Akure at a media parley with journalists and media executives in the state.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa vows to curtail security threat

    According to him, “I am proud to say I am a part of Akeredolu legacies. It has been his wish that I succeed him. He said it on our first day of inauguration. During our Exco meetings, he repeated it severally.

    “I would have preferred he stayed back and watched me govern the state. I know he will be proud of me.

    “I trained under Akeredolu. He was a man who always spoke his mind on national issues. He says his thoughts not minding his pursuit. When he speaks, the nation will be at attention. We imbibe his qualities on governance.”

    Governor Aiyedatiwa said the truth about the recent political imbroglio would soon be made public.

    He said he and the late Akeredolu were best of friends.

  • Aiyedatiwa orders tight security as funeral for Akeredolu begins

    Aiyedatiwa orders tight security as funeral for Akeredolu begins

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered security agencies to beef up security, as the funeral of former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu begins this week.

    He ordered security agencies to fish out kidnappers and criminals in the state as well as prevent security breaches in any part of state.

    Aiyedatiwa’s directive is coming on the heels of last Friday’s kidnap of passengers of an 18-seater bus between Ayere in Kogi State and Akunu in Ondo State.

    The abductors killed the driver of the bus.

    Amotekun Commander Adetunji Adeleye said combined security forces had continued search for the victims.

    Read Also; Food inflation a global phenomenon – Bwala

    He said: “As at yesterday morning, a combined team of security men, specifically soldiers from Kogi and Ondo, police from Kogi and Ondo, and Amotekun from Ondo joined hands to fish out the perpetrators of the last kidnap around Akunu/Ayere axis in Kogi/Ondo.

    “The actual thing you saw on social media happened in between those two communities and we have been raising the alarm that in places that we don’t have the grassroots local security that we can work with, we have been having issues, but we are happy, however, that they joined and collaborated with us and the search still continues.

    “We have been able to go this far because the governor specifically gave a directive to fish out these perpetrators of evil, especially along the boundary, and he further gave a directive to all security agencies to ensure that this week and next week, we will be honouring our late governor, the father of Amotekun in the Southwest, that there must be no security breach.

    “Arrangements are being put in place to ensure people come in happily and freely to celebrate the exit of an icon that all of us know.”

  • Abiodun, Aiyedatiwa, Amosun, others pay Opaleye final respect

    Abiodun, Aiyedatiwa, Amosun, others pay Opaleye final respect

    • Ex-MILAD laid to rest in Abeokuta

    • He was exceptional administrator – Ondo govt

    Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, his Ondo State counterpart, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, former Governor Ibikunle Amosun and other eminent personalities paid last respect to late Major General Ekundayo Opaleye as his remains were laid to rest on Friday in Abeokuta, the state capital.

    General Opaleye passed away in November 2023 as a result of a heart attack. He was at the helm of affairs in Ondo state between 1986 and 1987 as military governor.

    Abiodun, Aiyedatiwa, and Amosun separately eulogized the late Opaleye as an exemplary soldier, leader, and administrators who served his Nigeria, Ondo, and Ogun states with dedication.

    Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, described the deceased as an exceptional administrator and exemplary leader whose contributions to the development of old Ondo State can never be forgotten.

    Aiyedatiwa, also said that the late military administrator of Ondo State was a dutiful soldier who served the country meritoriously.

    Read Also; Welcome to Gomorrah: Gombe’s sin city where women, beer are valued more than food

    He said:, “Listening attentively to the tributes given by all the various groups here present, I cannot but conclude that Major General Opaleye was a total man who excelled in all spheres of life. He was a responsible and committed father, highly revered elder statesman, and an illustrious son of Ogun state.”

    “In Ondo state, we know him as a very thorough and articulate administrator who has left an indelible mark on the sands of time. I recall he was the one who introduced the ‘due process’ in the operations of government in the then old Ondo state – a feat that will be remembered by generations yet unborn,” the Governor said.

     He further described the late General as a steadfast Christian who demonstrated his faith in God at all times and a complete gentleman soldier who had high regard for the Yoruba tradition and the entire black race.

     “As testified by one of his close friends here, General Opaleye was, no doubt, a devout Christian who until he took his last breath, still proclaimed Jesus Christ as his Lord and personal saviour. He also held the traditional institution in high esteem during his tenure as military administrator of Ondo state.

     “Though his demise is painful we are consoled by the fact that he lived a life of purpose. On behalf of the government and people of Ondo state, I wish to commiserate with the Ogun state government for this irreplaceable loss, not only to the state but the country at large.”

    Present at the event were dignitaries from all walks of life including the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by his deputy, former governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, serving and retired military personnel.

  • Ondo guber: Aiyedatiwa’s camp knocks ex-Finance Commissioner over claim

    Ondo guber: Aiyedatiwa’s camp knocks ex-Finance Commissioner over claim

    A recent claim by the immediate past Finance Commissioner in Ondo State, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa, of being the one anointed by the late former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to become the next governor, has been described as a blatant lie.

    Puncturing Akinterinwa’s claim in a statement signed by the Director of Information, Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation Foot Soldiers (LACO-FS), Kayode Fasua, on Friday, it averred that “Akinterinwa is still to recover from the shock of being shown the exit door, considering his lack-luster performance.”

    LACO-FS contended that the late Akeredolu wanted Aiyedatiwa to succeed him, considering the latter’s loyalty and diligence.

    “It is public knowledge in Ondo State that everywhere Akeredolu went to was in company with Aiyedatiwa,  he was always raising up Aiyedatiwa’s hand as the man to take over as governor once he finished his second term.

    “Even commissioners and others who were in Akeredolu’s cabinet can testify to the fact that the late former Governor was always full of praises for Aiyedatiwa,  his deputy, during which he would utter the foresee that ‘this is the next governor of Ondo State’,” the group recalled.

    Read Also; Welcome to Gomorrah: Gombe’s sin city where women, beer are valued more than food

    Reacting to another claim in which the ex-finance commissioner reportedly said Aiyedatiwa was brought into government by Akeredolu’s wife, the group described the statement as “not only ridiculous but also hallucinatory.

    “These are indeed reckless statements borne out of bellicosity; to the effect that the dissolution of the state executive council naturally led to his sack as finance commissioner. 

    “To put the record straight, when Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in 2016, a three-man panel headed by Mrs. Jumoke Anifowoshe-Ajasin, was set up to select a running mate for him, and at the end, Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s name came first on the merit list.

    “But for other considerations, Akeredolu dumped the list and picked Mr. Agboola Ajayi who eventually became deputy governor upon their victory.

    “However, in 2020, when Akeredolu had issues with Ajayi, he solemnly went and picked the 2016 list which Aiyedatiwa topped, and that was how Aiyedatiwa became his running mate, and ultimately,  deputy governor, ” the LACO-FS recalled.

    Meanwhile,  the group, in reaction to a faux pas by the Vice-President’s Economic Adviser, Mr. Tope Fasua, who said on a prime TV show that Aiyedaiwa was owing a six-month’s salary, urged government officials to always verify their information before making such public, asserting that Governor Aiyedatiwa is owing no public worker in Ondo State.