Following the death of former Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has assumed full control in Ondo State, demonstrated by his immediate dissolution of the cabinet and aides appointed by his predecessor. Aiyedatiwa also nominated Akeredolu’s kinsman, Olayide Adelami, as his deputy, a strategic move in the political landscape of the state.
This significant reshuffling comes as Ondo State prepares for a governorship election in November 2024 and follows Aiyedatiwa’s assertion that his current seat isn’t vacant. The decision was made public during the All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders meeting in Akure, with notable party leaders and leading governorship aspirants absent, signaling the potential intensification of internal party conflicts.
Analysts see these actions as a consolidation of power by Aiyedatiwa, who, while not officially declaring his candidacy, is expected to run in the upcoming election on the APC platform. By overhauling the governance structure, the governor aims to strengthen his position ahead of the electoral contest.
The widespread changes affect key political roles, including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief of Staff, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, and Special Assistants. The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, announced the dissolution, which had been anticipated due to the longstanding power struggle between Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa.
According to a report by The Guardian, the governor expressed gratitude to the outgoing appointees for their service and directed a handover to senior administrative officers in their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Aiyedatiwa’s appointment of Adelami as his deputy is expected to be confirmed by the Ondo State House of Assembly. Adelami, a former Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly and governorship aspirant brings significant experience to the role.
Meanwhile, reactions to the shake-up have varied. The erstwhile Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Charles Titiloye, faced public disapproval from civil servants at the Ministry of Justice, highlighting internal tensions within the state administration.
As the state mourns the passing of Akeredolu, with his burial scheduled for February 23, socio-political groups, including the Yoruba Progressives Forum (YPF), have called for his immortalization in recognition of his contributions to democracy and unity in Southern Nigeria.
This period of transition in Ondo State’s political landscape sets the stage for a redefined governance approach and potential shifts in the upcoming governorship election dynamics.
