Ondo 2024: Akeredolu Moves Against Deputy Gov, Sacks Media Aides
BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – The simmering crisis of confidence between Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State and his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has taken a dramatic turn with the sacking of all media aides attached to the Deputy Governor’s office.
Interestingly, the sack notice was issued on Tuesday shortly after a statement by the Deputy Governor’s spokesperson, Mr Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson, said no amount of ‘fabricated lies’ would turn him (Aiyedatwa) against his boss (Gov Akeredolu).
Akeredolu only returned to the country this week after three months of medical leave in Germany, during which period Aiyedatiwa was in charge of the State in acting capacity.
However, the Governor’s statement disbanding his deputy’s media team directed the aides to submit all the government properties in their possession to the acting Permanent Secretary in the office of the Deputy Governor.
The statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, listed the affected aides as the Press Secretary to the Governor, Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson; Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media) Okunniga Oladipupo; and Special Assistant to the Governor (Photography) Abayomi Samson Adefolalu.
According to the statement; “All media aides appointed by the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, and seconded to the Office of the Deputy Governor, have been relieved of their appointments with immediate effect.”
“Similarly, the Press Crew attached to the office of the deputy governor has been disbanded. Consequently, all members of the Press Crew are to report back to their various ministries and stations,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Governor has directed that henceforth, the Ministry of Information and Orientation should provide adequate coverage for the activities of the Deputy’s Governor office.
Though no specific reasons were given for the governor’s sudden action, Government House insiders hinted that the move may not be unconnected with the suspected cold war between Aiyedatiwa and some loyalists of the governor during his absence on medical leave.
A reliable source said the move by Governor Akeredolu is seen as reasserting his authority over the affairs of state and the sacked Media Aides were unfortunately made the scapegoats.
It was gathered that the media aides were only the sacrificial lambs in the ongoing political intrigues between their boss and the Governor’s camp which is clearly engaging in subtle plans to whittle down the powers and influence of the Deputy Governor ahead of the 2024 governorship election in the Sunshine State
The source further stated that Deputy Governor, who is eyeing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial ticket for next year’s election, was also embroiled in a faceoff with some party chieftains during the three months he presided over the affairs of Ondo State as Acting Governor.
With the disturbing rumours about his perceived rift with Governor Akeredolu, the Deputy Governor had openly pledged loyalty to his boss earlier on Tuesday before the media aides were unceremoniously sent packing and the crew disbanded.
