Akeredolu Plans Cabinet Reshuffle as Governor, Deputy’s Feud Deepen

The rift between Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and his deputy, Lucky Ayedatiwa, has deepened as the governor sacked the media aides of the deputy governor on Thursday.

The governor, who recently returned from a three-month medical trip in Germany, is also set to reshuffle his cabinet to remove some commissioners and special advisers who allegedly betrayed his trust during his absence.

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, announced the termination of the appointments of Ayedatiwa’s Press Secretary Kenneth Odusola; Special Assistant (New Media) Okunniga Oladipupo; and Special Assistant (Photography) Abayomi Samson Adefolalu.

The statement also directed all members of the press crew to report back to their respective ministries and stations, while the Ministry of Information and Orientation would henceforth cover the activities of the deputy governor’s office.

Sources said the deputy governor’s aides were sacked for insubordination and disregard for the authority of the governor.

They also said the deputy governor had used the opportunity of acting as the governor while Akeredolu was away to advance his governorship ambition, which pitched him against some loyalists of Akeredolu and other aspirants from Ondo South Senatorial District.

It was gathered that Akeredolu was unhappy with some of his aides who caused tension in the state by sponsoring some reports that embarrassed the government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). A party source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said some of the aides had thought that the governor would not survive his illness and had started plotting against him.

The source said: “There is no division in the party. The Aketi family is big and intact. But, there are complaints against the deputy governor who tried to create a camp from the big camp while positioning himself.

“The camp of the deputy governor started misbehaving, thinking that the governor would not make it. Some actually thought that the governor had died.”

The source added that some of the statements made by the deputy governor while acting as the governor were recorded and played to Akeredolu when he returned.

He said: “The deputy governor was careless with some statements, which were taped and played to the governor’s hearing. At a meeting with other governors, he as acting governor of Ondo State said he was going to be sworn in as substantive governor soon.”

The source also said that Akeredolu was displeased with some commissioners and special advisers who did not perform well or support his policies while he was away.

He said: “The Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale, and about six commissioners may be dropped for working against the interest of the governor. Some special advisers are also on their way out.”

The source said that Akeredolu would return to Akure next week and announce a major cabinet reshuffle to inject new blood into his administration.

He said: “The governor is not happy with some people who betrayed him and he is ready to show them the way out. He will also bring in new people who are loyal and competent to deliver on his mandate.”

However, the deputy governor has denied any rift with his boss, saying he remained loyal and committed to their joint vision. He attributed the crisis to some blackmailers who wanted to cause friction between them.

While leaving for Germany on medical vacation, Akeredolu had transmitted a letter to the House of Assembly delegating power to Ayedatiwa as acting governor. The governor, who returned on Wednesday, is still in his Ibadan home, where he has been performing official duties.

On Saturday, Speaker House of Assembly Mr. Oladiji Olamide and Deputy Speaker Abayomi Akinruntan presented a bill creating 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), which the governor signed.

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