Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has fulfilled his destiny. He has become the governor of Ondo State.
Indisputably, he nursed an ambition for the ultimate power at the sub-regional level. The power was landing on his palm piecemeal as deputy governor, and later, as acting governor.
The distance between the power of the governor and deputy is long. Yet, the position of deputy could be a stone’s throw from the driver’s seat, particularly in the moment of emergency and anxiety.
On Wednesday, Aiyedatiwa succeeded his late boss, Rotimi Akeredolu, prominent lawyer and former Chairman of Southwest Governors’ Forum and Leader of Southern Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
Lucky means fortunate; he is fortunate to lead the Sunshine State at this crucial time.
Orimisan, a typical Ikale – a sub-Yoruba dialect name – translates to “my head is good or fitting,” which aligns with his first name, “Lucky.” The name implies a head that fits the crown. The immediate expectation now is that the crown should also fit the head of the “king”. It is not about fashion or glitz; it is about a proper conduct that inspires and reassures that in post-Akeredolu period, Ondo is safe in the hands of its new captain.
Aiyedatiwa, another native name, means “the world is now ours”. In the correct perspective, it means “power now belongs to us”. A slight translation would mean: “This is our chance or opportunity.”
Yet, the name Aiyedatiwa has a wider meaning and implication. “Aye” means the world, or the earth. It is a collective property given temporarily to mankind by the Creator. It is given through the hands of the Omnipotent, the Alpha, to be retrieved later by the same Omnipresent, the Omega. It is not forever.
Men of wisdom in ancient times, after having it full, still came back to their senses at the twilight of life. Despite the alluring royalty in his possession, everything became suddenly boring, making King Solomon to even proclaim that life is ‘vanity of vanities, all is vanity.’
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Aiyedatiwa, as a name, rightly alludes to an epoch. Yet, kingdoms and empires have hidden expiring dates. In politics, it may be determined by the constitution. It can also be premised on unforeseen contingencies. The right word here is caution so that a man of power will not be enslaved by authority, thereby allowing power to use him, instead of him using power for public good.
“Aiyedatiwa,” therefore, underscores not only an emergency opportunity but a guarantee of inclusion for all.
Suppose Aiyedatiwa is misinterpreted as “the world has now become ours,” it may mean the imminent enthronement of a caucus within a big party with vast taproots. In that case, there will be resistance, whether feeble or concerted. The crisis period may be elongated to the detriment of the party or state.
The death of Akeredolu and the inauguration of Aiyedatiwa may not halt the pattern of intra-party conflict in the Ondo State chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), especially when the imbroglio is linked with next year’s succession politics. There is a need to erase the feeling of political loss by members of the Aketi Movement, especially those who had tied their political survival to the existence or survival of the deceased governor.
The scenario at the swearing-in was somehow disappointing. What was required was a solemn ceremony in honour of the departed chief executive and not garrulous behaviour by the band of praise singers. Crowd control is important on such occasions. It would have prevented the regression to mockery by some noise-making, uncouth rascals who thought they were doing Governor Aiyedatiwa a favour during the brief ceremony.
The resignation of some aides to the late governor may be partly due to their position during the protracted conflict between the camp of the deceased governor and the new helmsman. It also conveyed a sense of insecurity, real or imaginary, in the government circle. They left with heavy hearts, having lost their leader to protracted illness, and apparently for fear of anticipatory action against them. But this is debatable.
Every human being, being a political animal, necessarily covets power. There is an inherent spirit of competition and antagonism, which serves as the propeller. The front seat is quite alluring and electrifying. Yet, the man in the saddle, being also the controller of huge resources and distribution of largesse, is assailed by the vituperations of jealous rivals in the competitive political game.
Many have aspired to the Ondo number one seat but without success. Many are still gazing at the seat ahead of next year’s primary, where Aiyedatiwa may become a formidable candidate, and the general election where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other smaller parties are waiting for the APC candidate. These gladiators will be interested in how the governor will run the affairs of the state.
No doubt, his performance may be one of the factors that would shape the shadow poll of the ruling party and even the primary of the major opposition party that is praying for an implosion in Ondo APC.
The onus is on Aiyedatiwa to reflect on the challenges of governance now resting on his shoulders. The immediate task is to rebuild confidence and unite the party and the divided State Executive Council (Exco).
As a leader, he is not expected to seek vendetta but to view past incidents, including the threat of impeachment, as part of politics. No governor of a diverse and enlightened Ondo State can successfully rule by dictatorship. All shades of opinion have to be absorbed through consultations and constant engagements with the party, prominent indigenes, and the masses.
The new governor of Ondo should emulate his Ekiti neighbour, who is ruling with humility, fear of God, and respect for the party that midwifed his administration.
In making other critical appointments, including that of the deputy governor, Aiyedatiwa can pander to the party, based on the criterion of zoning or rotation that has fostered inclusion and a sense of belonging. He should choose a competent deputy who can complement his abilities.
It is noteworthy that Aiyedatiwa has promised to complete the projects embarked upon by his predecessor as a key player in the immediate past administration. If he keeps to that promise, his administration would be rightly perceived as one of continuity. Although some relations exerted influence on Akeredolu, he was adjudged incorruptible. Therefore, Aiyedatiwa should emulate his late boss by shunning graft, sleaze, greed, and the culture of ‘steal and go’.
It is important to bear in mind at this initial stage that the governor would have to seek a higher degree of partnership with the House of Assembly in an atmosphere of cooperative separation of powers. He would have to moderate his actions and steps in sensitivity to the presence of an active legislature that once threatened to end his political career.
The late Akeredolu picked Aiyedatiwa initially as deputy because he said he was loyal and consistent. He somehow predicted that as he was bowing out, Lucky Aiyedatiwa should move in. It has come to pass. Anybody who will work with the new governor should also be ready to be loyal to him. Aiyedatiwa has not been fully transformed by power. Commissioners, special advisers, and other aides of Akeredolu, who he is likely to retain, should embrace the reality and adjust to the style of the new sheriff in town.
Two challenges will confront his leadership. Ondo APC is warming up for a by-election in an Akoko federal constituency. The chapter is also preparing for the governorship primary next February. It will be a big test for his government.
The second challenge is that of retaining the state for APC in the 2024 general election.
Eyes are on Ondo State. More importantly, eyes will be on Aiyedatiwa.
