A crisis has erupted in the Ondo State cabinet, shortly after Governor Rotimi Akeredolu returned from an overseas medical trip. The details of the crisis have not been made public, but it is said to revolve around issues related to the loyalty of the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to the governor. This situation has reportedly caused tension and disaffection between Akeredolu and his deputy.
In response to the crisis, Governor Akeredolu has dismissed the media aides of the deputy governor, accusing them of sowing discord between him and his deputy. The affected media aides include the Press Secretary to the Governor, Kenneth Odusola; Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media) Okunniga Oladipupo; and Special Assistant to the Governor (Photography), Abayomi Samson Adefolalu.
The governor’s decision to fire these media aides comes amid allegations of insubordination and disloyalty towards him. Some of the aides were accused of engaging in activities that undermined the governor’s authority and planted stories against him.
In response to the allegations of disloyalty, Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has publicly reiterated his loyalty to Governor Akeredolu, dismissing reports of disloyalty as false and fabricated. Aiyedatiwa stated that these reports were spread by faceless groups and individuals to tarnish his image for political reasons. He emphasized that he remains committed to his duties and maintains a strong working relationship with the governor.
The crisis highlights the political tensions within the Ondo State government and the challenges faced by the governor and his deputy in maintaining a harmonious working relationship.