The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has raised serious concerns over what it alleges is the economic paralysis of the state due to the influence of an apparent cabal that has reportedly taken control of the administration of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. The PDP is demanding that Governor Akeredolu, who is said to be ailing, should transfer power to his deputy, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to avert further deterioration of the state’s economic condition.
Mr. Fatai Adams, the state chairman of the PDP, addressed the media in Akure, expressing the party’s distress over the current state of affairs. According to Adams, there is a perceived vacuum in leadership, with no clear leader of government business, as Governor Akeredolu remains indisposed, and the deputy governor is reportedly occupied with political survival issues. Adams further claimed that both individuals within and outside the government are taking advantage of the governor’s prolonged absence, allegedly pilfering government resources to the detriment of the state’s development and well-being.
Highlighting the financial impact of Governor Akeredolu’s health challenges on the state, Adams stressed that the economic losses were significant. The PDP chairman emphasized the need for a clear line of leadership and urged Governor Akeredolu to follow the precedent set by his own advice to the late former President Umaru Yar’Adua when he suggested that health should take precedence over political responsibilities. Adams urged Akeredolu to transmit power to the deputy governor, allowing him to focus on his health while maintaining the proper functioning of the government.
In response to these claims, Ade Adetimehin, the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissed the allegations made by the PDP. Adetimehin challenged the opposition party to provide names of the members constituting the alleged cabal, labeling the accusations as baseless. He argued that the PDP’s statements were driven by the frustration of being in the opposition, emphasizing that the APC government had no such cabal and stating that members of the PDP had joined the APC.
The situation in Ondo State has become increasingly contentious, with Governor Akeredolu’s prolonged absence sparking political tensions. Akeredolu had been away for an extended period for medical treatment, and upon his return to the country, he stayed in his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, instead of returning to Ondo. The deputy governor also faced political challenges, with the Assembly attempting to remove him from office due to an alleged breakdown in his relationship with Governor Akeredolu and accusations of gross misconduct.
