Ondo State Governor Rejects Deputy’s Apology, Insists on Assembly Probe Amid Political Crisis

The political turmoil in Ondo State takes a new turn as Governor Rotimi Akeredolu firmly declines the apology extended by his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and remains resolute in his call for an Assembly investigation into the ongoing crisis.

Aiyedatiwa, in a press conference held in his Akure office, expressed remorse for the chaos that has enveloped the state in recent months and denied allegations of disloyalty and sponsoring protests against Governor Akeredolu. He attributed the turmoil to opportunistic politicians vying for the 2024 gubernatorial elections.

“I am deeply saddened by the embarrassment and discomfort that Mr. Governor has faced due to the barrage of negative news in the state as a result of the events of the last few months. I tender my sincere apology to Mr. Governor on this as our leader in the state,” Aiyedatiwa said.

However, Governor Akeredolu’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties and Strategy, Dr. Doyin Odebowale, swiftly responded to the deputy governor’s statement. Odebowale disagreed with Aiyedatiwa’s claim that the governor had intervened in the crisis and disapproved the denial of sponsoring protests.

“Governor Akeredolu does not meddle in the affairs of the House of Assembly of Ondo State, as subtly suggested at the (Aiyedatiwa’s) press conference. There has never been any time when the governor ‘persuaded’ the ‘distinguished members of Ondo State House of Assembly to embrace the political solution offered,” Odebowale asserted.

He also raised concerns about Aiyedatiwa’s reference to the governor’s health challenges, deeming it unfortunate. Odebowale emphasized that the people of Ondo State were perceptive enough not to be misled by equivocal statements.

As the political saga in Ondo State continues to unfold, the public watches closely, with the specter of a legislative investigation looming over the deputy governor.