By Ojo Oyewamide
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has recorded several missteps since he came into the saddle more than two years ago. His first blunder occurred on the very first day of his governorship of Ondo State. His boss, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, had just passed on and the constitution required that he step into the late governor’s shoes.
During his swearing-in ceremony, Aiyedatiwa displayed no sobriety or sympathy over the death of his benefactor. On sighting a former deputy governor at the occasion, he remarked in Yoruba, “A ku orire eni o,” meaning congratulations on our good fortune. The statement offered a glimpse into the state of Aiyedatiwa’s mind. Since then, many have perceived him as a man lacking empathy. A man as bloodless as stone. That marked the beginning of his image crisis.
At that moment, providence had already elevated him to the state’s highest office. The moment demanded restraint and compassion. Concealing whatever personal satisfaction he might have felt as a result of his principal’s death would have served him better. But he apparently could not pretend. He was insensitive to the emotions of the period. He failed to appreciate the symbolic value of his words and conduct. His action betrayed either lack of wisdom or arrogance of the power that fate had just put in his hands.
Aiyedatiwa subsequently moved to dissolve the political structure he inherited from Akeredolu. This writer believes there is nothing wrong in replacing inherited political appointees. Every governor has the right to assemble a team that shares his vision. However, what many have found difficult to understand is the continued non-payment of the entitlements of several former aides, including allowances approved by Akeredolu before his passing.
Even more controversial was the dissolution of the State Executive Council only days before Akeredolu’s burial. The decision effectively prevented many of the late governor’s loyal commissioners from participating officially in his funeral ceremonies. Whatever the political calculations behind the action, it deepened the perception of a government determined to distance itself from its predecessor rather than preserve continuity and respect.
Virtually all the ongoing projects initiated by the Akeredolu administration were abandoned after Aiyedatiwa assumed office. Among them were the Onyearugbulem flyover, the Akure-Oda road project, the Ijoka road project, all in Akure, the state capital, as well as several others across the state. It was only after sustained public pressure that work resumed on some of the projects. Even at that, many remain uncompleted.
Another thing is Aiyedatiwa’s relationship with individuals widely regarded as instrumental to his political survival. After securing victory in the 2024 governorship election, many expected him to strengthen ties with those who stood by him during difficult periods, particularly when he faced impeachment threats as deputy governor. Instead, many of these political allies have become estranged from him.
Politics is about loyalty and reciprocity. It is the opinion of this writer that public office should never be reduced to rewarding supporters with positions. But acknowledging genuine sacrifices and contributions is an important aspect of political leadership. Those who labour for a cause naturally expect respect, inclusion and fairness.
Aiyedatiwa’s apparent discomfort with political support groups backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has further widened existing divisions. Organisations such as the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT), the Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) and other groups have enjoyed support from the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, because of their mobilization efforts for the president’s re-election. There have been several attempts to frustrate or weaken these groups. This is an unnecessary rivalry.
The events surrounding the APC congresses earlier this year also generated significant controversy. Internal contests became increasingly bitter. Aiyedatiwa turned his attention to the structure of the party in the state. His perceived targets were largely Akeredolu’s loyalists. The party’s former state chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, and several other stakeholders were assaulted by political thugs at a party meeting.
The party’s ward congress was characterised by violence, sorrow, tears and blood. Some party members lost their lives. Others sustained injuries. A number of them are still recovering. Aiyedatiwa was determined to exclude anyone associated with Akeredolu from the party’s power structure.
Politics should be a platform for inclusion rather than exclusion. Every successful political party accommodates diverse tendencies and interests. Attempts to monopolise party structures or isolate perceived opponents rarely produce lasting stability. Instead, they create resentment, encourage resistance and weaken the party’s collective strength.
Recent developments concerning the nomination of National Assembly candidates have further fuelled concerns. Ondo State has twelve federal legislators, nine members of the House of Representatives and three senators. Aiyedatiwa sought to determine almost single-handedly who should return to the National Assembly in 2027, leaving room for only one incumbent.
Political arrogance often carries enormous consequences. No individual, regardless of position, possesses the monopoly of political influence. Those that Aiyedatiwa rejected are now the National Assembly candidates of the party. This is a great lesson!
The truth is that reconciliation is cheaper than conflict, inclusion is stronger than exclusion and humility achieves more than arrogance. Leaders who govern with magnanimity leave lasting legacies because they build bridges instead of walls.
Aiyedatiwa still has ample opportunity to embrace reconciliation. But will he? Recently, former Governor Olusegun Mimiko advised him on the need for bringing tendencies in the party together. Mimiko is qualified to advise him. He was on the gubernatorial seat for eight years. But Aiyedatiwa could not stomach the good counsel of the Great Iroko of Ondo politics. He openly and arrogantly displayed his displeasure with the advice. May God help him!
Ojo Oyewamide writes from No. 5 Abibirih Lane, Isolo, Akure
