More resignations loom as Aiyedatiwa takes charge in Ondo

• Choice of deputy gov between Obe, Ale
• Aiyedatiwa: Serving under Akeredolu’s tutelage, rare privilege

Twenty-four hours after inauguration of Lucky Aiyedatiwa as seventh civilian governor of Ondo State, those regarded as cabals within the late Rotimi Akeredolu’s cabinet have taken the back seat.

The fear of Aiyedatiwa dissolving or reshuffling the cabinet has gripped members, once regarded as Akeredolu’s men.

However, close aides of the governor have continued to throw in their resignation letters, citing their move as a show of loyalty to their late principal even in death.

Among those who have so far resigned are Richard Olatunde, who served as Chief Press Secretary to the late governor; Dare Aragbaye, who was Special Adviser on Special Duties and Union Matters; Raimi Aminu, Commissioner for Lands and Infrastructure; Doyin Odebowale, Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties; and Olawale Abolade, Special Assistant on Photography.

According to findings by The Guardian, many political appointees will, in the next couple of days, turn in their resignations to avoid being embarrassed out of office by Aiyedatiwa, particularly those perceived to have plotted his impeachment plot.

But some of the political appointees were alleged to have begun switching loyalty in anticipation of being retained by the new governor.

Besides, those who are in a good stead within the new administration have been identified as Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Razaq Obe; his Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives counterpart, Akinwumi Sowore; Chief of Staff, Olugbenga Ale; and the Special Adviser on Gender, Olumide Falana.

Recall that Obe and Sowore were the two cabinet members who refused to sign the vote of confidence passed on the late governor on November 16, 2023, by 33 members of the State Executive Council.

Also, Obe was the one who raised the alarm that the signatures of Akeredolu were being forged by some people within the cabinet.

With everyone waiting for the choice of Aiyedatiwa’s deputy, findings have revealed that Obe, from Ifedore Local Council in the Central Senatorial District of the state, who had long been tipped as the likely deputy governor, might be picked by the governor considering his close alliance with him.

The choice of Ale is also said to be being considered due to the resolve to compensate the Owo community, where the late governor hailed from.

A source said: “Yes, Razaq Obe has been the one that we had thought would definitely be picked by Aiyedatiwa. But with the death of Aketi (Oluwarotimi Akeredolu), the name of Olugbenga Ale, who was sidelined, is now flying around.”

MEANWHILE, Aiyedatiwa, has described it as a rare privilege to have served under the tutelage of his late boss, Akeredolu. The governor, who said the name of the late Akeredolu will never be forgotten in the annals of the state and country, stated that the legacies and impacts of the late former governor can be seen and felt by everyone.

The governor stated this when he led members of the State Executive Council on a condolence visit to the residence of the former Ondo State Governor in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to commiserate with the Akeredolu family .

Aiyedatiwa, in a statement made available to The Guardian by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, described his late principal as a courageous, selfless, and patriotic leader who fought for his people, championed development, and touched many lives.

Aiyedatiwa reiterated that the demise of his late boss is a great loss to Ondo State, the Southwest region, and Nigeria at large. He stressed that Akeredolu’s struggle for a peaceful, fair, and just society is one that can never be forgotten in a hurry.

He noted that the legacies of the late Akeredolu will continue to reverberate in his invaluable contributions to the socio-economic and infrastructural development of Ondo State, the growth of the Anglican Church, and the reforms in the legal profession in Nigeria.

The governor emphasised that Akeredolu completed and fulfilled his mission on earth and was blessed with wonderful children that could sustain his good name.

Responding on behalf of the Akeredolu family, the younger brother of the deceased, Pastor Kola Akeredolu, thanked the delegation led by Governor Aiyedatiwa for the thoughtful visit.

Prayers were offered for the Akeredolu family, while Aiyedatiwa led others to the signing of the condolence register.