Following the inauguration of Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the seventh civilian governor of Ondo State, there has been a notable wave of resignations among members of the State Executive Council. This series of resignations began just minutes after Aiyedatiwa’s inauguration. Among the first to resign were the Special Adviser to the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr. Dare Aragbaye, and Richard Olatunde, the Chief Press Secretary to the late governor. These resignations were largely attributed to personal convictions and loyalty to the late Governor Akeredolu.
In addition to Aragbaye and Olatunde, other key figures like the Senior Special Assistant to the late governor on Special Duties, Dr. Doyin Odebowale, and the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Infrastructure, Raimi Aminu, also submitted their resignations. These resignations were seen as a show of loyalty to Akeredolu even in death. The new governor, Aiyedatiwa, has already started assembling his team, indicating a significant shift in the state’s administration.
There is a general atmosphere of anticipation and uncertainty among the political appointees in Ondo State, with many expected to resign in the coming days. This situation is primarily due to fears of being removed or sidelined by Governor Aiyedatiwa, especially among those perceived to have been involved in alleged impeachment schemes against him. Meanwhile, some appointees are realigning their loyalties to the new governor, hoping to retain their positions.
Significantly, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources Razaq Obe and his counterpart in Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Akinwumi Sowore, are expected to remain influential in the new administration. Both had earlier refused to sign a vote of confidence for the late governor, and Obe had raised concerns about signature forgeries within the cabinet.
As Ondo State navigates this period of political transition, there’s a heightened focus on who will be appointed as Aiyedatiwa’s deputy. Razaq Obe is considered a leading candidate for this position due to his close alliance with the governor. Another potential candidate for the deputy governor’s role is Olugbenga Ale, partly to honor the Owo community, Akeredolu’s hometown.
Governor Aiyedatiwa has expressed deep respect for his late boss, Akeredolu, describing his tenure under Akeredolu as a rare privilege and vowing to continue his legacy. The death of Akeredolu is widely mourned in Ondo State, with former governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and other notable figures expressing condolences and highlighting Akeredolu’s contributions to the state and the nation.
These events reflect a significant political shift in Ondo State and are indicative of the changes and challenges that often accompany transitions in leadership.
