The Ondo state APC Caucus in the House of Representatives have faulted Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over the dissociation of the state cabinet members and the entire local government structures, including chairmen, councillors, and all government aides and appointees.
Led by Hon. Adesida Abiodun Cornelius Aderin, the lawmakers argued that the decision was calculated move aims to erase the footprint of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
The lawmakers in an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that the measure has left the party in a state of disarray in the state.
The lawmakers claimed the decision to sack the state commissioners and local councils executive members was in clear breach of the agreement reached with the President Tinubu before the demise of Akeredolu.
Calling on the President to wade into the issue, they warned that the APC might lose grounds to the opposition political parties if the situation persist.
They noted: “Many individuals of sound judgment have questioned why the Governor couldn’t even wait until the man who appointed these council chairmen was laid to rest before dismissing them from their positions. Why the haste?
“Mr. President, the Governor has created a significant divide and caused deep discord among party members. Currently, the party’s state Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, is being marginalized and sidelined. To make matters worse,
“Governor Aiyedatiwa has resorted to sending his proxies to warn the Chairman and pressure him into resigning. It is a bad situation, sir.
“For instance, when the Governor convened a meeting of party stakeholders, Engr. Ade Adetimehin received the invitation just like other ordinary party members.
” However, the true party stakeholders were conspicuously absent from the gathering. This covert maneuver has only served to exacerbate the existing rift within the party and widening the cracks even further.
“There is a growing divide within our party; and it is occasioned by the seed of enmity sown by Governor Akeredoto. Those who were once loyal to Akeredolu have been sidelined, while individuals from the opposition who alligned with Mr. Aiyedatiwa in the fight against the late Akeredolu, demanding that he relinquished power to Aiyedatiwa when he was sick, now hold significant positions within the government and party.
“These actions have had a cumulative effect, resulting in the emergence of animosity within the party. The primary concern is clear: we must prevent Ondo State from falling into the hands of the opposition due to internal conflicts. As the party grapples with this tumultuous period, the urgent need for decisive and unifying leadership becomes more evident than ever.
“The decision made by Ayedatiwa to dissolve the Ondo State Executive Council has raised concerns and is being criticized as ill-conceived, imprudent, and misguided on multiple fronts. One of the main criticisms is the perceived rush behind the decision. Many questioned why the Governor couldn’t wait until the final burial of Akeredolu before taking such a drastic step.
“It is argued that allowing the cabinet members to attend Akeredolu’s burial would have been a fitting tribute and a way to honour his legacy. By dissolving the Executive Council before the burial, it is seen as depriving these individuals of the opportunity to pay their last respects and show their support during this difficult time.
“Furthermore, it is a clear lack of empathy and show of insensitivity towards the grieving process of Akeredolu’s family and the political associates who are mourning his demise.
“Additionally, dissolving the cabinet in such a manner raises questions about the rationale behind the decision. The timing and the lack of a clear explanation for the dissolution has led to series of speculations and doubts about the true motivations behind Ayedatiwa’s actions.
“Despite the advice from party elders to delay any appointments until the final burial of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, his successor-governor chose to ignore their counsel.
“To exacerbate the situation, he even appointed Omotayo Oluwatuyi (Tukana) as the Secretary to the Government of Ondo State (SGG), without consulting with you Mr. President, who had recently appointed Oluwatuyi as a representative of Ondo State in the National Population Commission. These actions demonstrated a clear disregard for the party’s leadership in the state and President Tinubu.
“It is our fervent hope that Ondo, the Sunshine state, will be saved from further turmoil, and that the APC’s influence in the state will not wane. As representatives of the good people of Ondo State in the National Assembly, we pray that your Presidency will be guided by divine wisdom, resulting in remarkable development, peace, prosperity and renewed hope for all Nigerians.”
Members of the caucus includes Timehin Adelegbe (Owo/Ose), Festus Adefiranye Ayodele (Ileoluji- Okeigbo/Odigbo), Ojogo Donald Kimikanboh(Ilaje/ Ese- Odo), Odimayo Okunjimi John (Okitipupa/Irele) and Adegboyega Adefarati (Akoko south West/ South East).
