Ondo Ex-Governor's Aide and Aiyedatiwa's Adviser Engage in Heated Exchange Over Late Akeredolu's Legacy
In a recent development that has stirred political tensions in Ondo State, Richard Olatunde, the former Chief Press Secretary to the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has publicly criticized Gani Ajowa Mohammed, the Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Special Duties and Strategy. The conflict centers on allegations of misrepresenting facts regarding pensioners' welfare, with Olatunde accusing Mohammed of attempting to tarnish Akeredolu's legacy through what he describes as deliberate misinformation.
Dispute Over Pensioner Welfare and Political Motives
Olatunde, in a strongly worded statement issued yesterday, condemned Mohammed for what he perceives as a calculated effort to smear the reputation of the late Akeredolu administration. Despite both individuals having served in the same government, Olatunde asserted that Mohammed is deploying blackmail as a tool for political survival. He emphasized that the Akeredolu administration had already disbursed N6 billion by 2021 to address the backlog of gratuity arrears inherited from previous governments, highlighting this as evidence of the administration's commitment to pensioner welfare.
This accusation comes amid ongoing debates about the handling of pension issues in the state, with Olatunde urging transparency and accuracy in public discourse. The dispute underscores deeper political rifts within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, as factions align with different legacies and future directions.
Concerns Over Ondo South Senatorial District Representation
Simultaneously, a group known as Ondo Concerned Citizens has raised alarms about the potential emergence of non-indigenous candidates for the Ondo South Senatorial District seat ahead of the 2027 election. The group, led by Chairman Victor Olorundare and Secretary Ibukun Owolabi, warned that such a move could trigger tensions and constitute a political miscalculation for the APC in the district.
The warning follows the appointment of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim as an ambassador to the United Nations, which has left the senatorial seat vacant. The group stressed that the district, as an integral part of Yorubaland, deserves a representative who is culturally grounded and linguistically fluent in local traditions. They urged stakeholders to ensure that only qualified indigenous candidates are considered, advocating for what they term "placing a round peg in a round hole" to maintain political stability and cultural representation.
Broader Implications for Ondo State Politics
These developments highlight ongoing political dynamics in Ondo State, where legacy issues and future electoral strategies are increasingly contentious. The clash between Olatunde and Mohammed reflects broader debates within the APC about governance continuity and accountability, particularly in relation to social welfare programs like pension disbursements.
Moreover, the concerns raised by Ondo Concerned Citizens point to sensitive issues of identity and representation in Nigerian politics, especially in regions with strong cultural ties. As the 2027 election approaches, these factors are likely to influence candidate selection and voter sentiment in Ondo South and beyond.
In summary, the dispute over Akeredolu's legacy and the warnings about senatorial representation underscore a period of political introspection and potential realignment in Ondo State, with implications for both local governance and national party politics.
