The Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus in the House of Representatives has written to President Bola Tinubu informing him of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s alleged misconduct for his yet-to-be buried deceased predecessor and principal, Rotimi Akeredolu.
The open letter was signed by six federal lawmakers: Hon. Adesida Abiodun Cornelius (Akure North/South), Hon. Timehin Adelegbe (Owo/Ose), Hon. Festus Adefiranye Ayodele (Ileoluji- Okeigbo/Odigbo), Hon. Ojogo Donald Kimikanboh(Ilaje/ Ese- Odo), Hon. Odimayo Okunjimi John (Okitipupa/Irele) and Hon Adegboyega Adefarati (Akoko south West/ South East).
Recall that Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as governor of sequel to the death of then Governor Akeredolu whom he deputised on December 27, 2023.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on the intent of the letter, leader of the caucus, Hon. Adesida called the president to intervene by calling the governor to order before the crisis he is stoking in the APC would cost the party Ondo state in forthcoming governorship polls.
He said since his swearing-in as governor, Aiyedatiwa has made series of decisions that indicate his animosity towards the late Akeredolu and his lack of concern for the party’s growth in the state.
The lawmaker told the president that the governor has been associating with staunch political enemies of his late predecessor and even cozying up to the opposition party.
Adesida said: “The Deputy Governor appointed by Mr. Aiyedatiwa is a well-known political adversary of the late Governor. Despite hailing from Owo, they never saw eye to eye during the late Governor’s lifetime. Olajide Adelami caused a great deal of trouble for the late Akeredolu during his bid for re-election in 2020 to which you were committed.
“Furthermore, it has become common knowledge in the state that Mr. Aiyedatiwa has aligned himself with every disgruntled and established political enemy of the late Akeredolu. As an example, the appointment of Barrister Kola Olawoye, a suspended APC member and former Attorney General of the state, as Aiyedatiwa’s campaign coordinator in Owo has been widely condemned by loyal party members, particularly in Owo.”
He also said recent events have revealed Governor Aiyedatiwa’s apparent eagerness to erase the legacy of the late Akeredolu and has been assuming credit for the successes and achievements of the deceased.
According to lawmaker, the announcement of the payment of N35,000 palliative allowances for civil servants and the settlement of January 2017 salary arrears, which were previously approved by the late Akeredolu, were erroneously presented as early actions taken by Governor Aiyedatiwa.
Adesida further said Governor Aiyedatiwa proceeded to dissolve the entire local government structures, including chairmen, councillors, and all government aides and appointees, adding that the calculated move aims to erase the footprint of his late boss, and has left the party in a state of disarray.
Akeredolu who died in December 2023 will be buried later this month in Owo, his hometown
