Ondo: The Problems Between Akeredolu And Deputy

By Chuks Ekpeneru

That the relationship between Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State and his deputy, Hon Agboola Ajayi has deteriorated is no longer a hidden issue.

What cannot be said now is when the bubble will eventually burst.

The campaign video jingle that announced Ajayi’s governorship aspiration on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has further worsened the relationship. That is despite the fact that Ajayi has dissociated himself from the production of the video jingle.

In December, Ajayi, also denied the rumour of a deep-rooted crisis with Akeredolu.

He also said then that he has no plan to dump the All Progressives Party (APC) or Akeredolu ahead of the 2020 election.

Recently, there was an attempt to tarnish the image of the Deputy Governor with a group accusing him of the alteration of his academic records.

Documents circulated on social media had alleged that the deputy governor while serving as Chairman of Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State registered for the 2004 May/June Senior School Certificate Examination as a full-time student of Community High School, Mobolorunduro with registration number 4291420/058.

It was said that Ajayi used December 8, 1980, as date of birth in order to be eligible as an internal student of Community High School, Mobolorunduro, while deposing to an Affidavit for Correction of Date Of Birth on March 9, 2006, later on, at the Federal High Court, Akure, stating that he was born on September 24, 1968

However, the Deputy Governor, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on New Media, Allen Sowore noted that the smear political campaigns against his boss were being sponsored by those he described as “political job seekers.”

According to Sowore, “The Deputy Governor is undaunted, committed and most importantly loyal to the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, in the collective desire to leave the State better than they met it.

Not too long ago, a group, the Ondo Unity League alleged that Governor Akeredolu was being blackmailed into picking Ajayi as running mate for the 2020 election.

The group in a statement titled “Re-Ondo Deputy’s Governor Divides PDP; Hand of Esau, Voice of Jacob” and signed by the League Coordinator, Zebulon Omosehin alleged that recent stories of Ajayi running against his boss are part of efforts to portray a tough status to awe the governor into submission.

The intervention of Ekiti state governor, John Kayode Fayemi, and other party chieftains within and outside the state seems not to have brought peace.

Some, however, say what is happening as an attempt by some people to cause a rift between the governor and his deputy.

The same set of people are muting the idea of impeachment to oust Ajayi, though the governor and the state party chairman, Ade Adetimehin are not convinced.

For now, Akeredolu may not want to increase the number of enemies he has to contend with for the party ticket.

He is already up in arms with the Unity Forum which has set up a committee to screen and agree on a consensus candidate to contest the party’s primary with the governor.

Aspirants screened include Chief Olusola Oke, Bukola Adetula, Jimi Odimayo, Olayide Adelami, Olarewaju Kassim, Oyedeke life, Mrs Jumoke Ajasin Anifowose and Banji Ayiloge.

The governor may also not want to play into the hands of his Abuja enemies. It is believed that he was among the governors that pushed for the removal of APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomole.

He is also aware that the National Leader of the party, Bola Tinubu wants to have a foothold in the state.

The governor will further not forget that tendencies in the party have not forgiven him for letting the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) win the last presidential election in the state.

For now, all eyes are how the various parties will manage the situation to avoid the state falling into the hands of the opposition.

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG