Akeredolu Goes for Deputy’s Jugular 

Ondo State Deputy Governor, Lucky  Aiyedatiwa is presently in a dilemma over what the future holds for him. The once rosy relationship between him and his boss, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, seemed to have been soured by recent developments in the sunshine state.

Those close to the deputy governor describe him as a man of character who believes in hard work, resilience, sagacity and loyalty. These, they say, are the reason for his astronomic rise in politics.

But the near-death sickness of the governor has definitely thrown a clog into the wheel that drives the two men in the state.

Society Watch gathered that the relationship between Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa became frosty after the governor came down with a terrible sickness that led to his being flown to Germany for treatment. A source in the government who pleaded anonymity said, that though the deputy governor had openly displayed loyalty to his boss, the governor’s sickness proved otherwise.

“The deputy governor always told his boss that he is loyal and a partner with the governor. But the governor’s sickness changed all that. Some people in the state probably thought the man would not survive and they cried that Aiyedatiwa be accorded the title of acting governor. All the while, the deputy seems to love the show and he was subsequently addressed as acting governor. Perhaps that singular act angered the governor,” the source said.

To confirm that all was not well between the two men, Governor Akeredolu resumed duty barely 24 hours after he returned to Nigeria after a three-month medical vacation abroad. This was contrary to speculations that the governor was going to spend some days resting in Ibadan, Oyo state. To prove that he is indeed in charge, Akeredolu declared: “I’ll be alive to complete my tenure.”

Two days after that statement, he went after his deputy and sacked the media team. He then directed the Ministry of Information and Orientation to provide adequate coverage for the activities of the deputy’s governor office henceforth.

Despite the uncertainty, Aiyedatiwa’s men continue to maintain that he is a principled man who believes anything worth doing at all is what is doing well. According to them, outside politics, Aiyedatiwa is a successful businessman with very sharp business acumen and highly cerebral prowess. He is notable for his sociable skills and ability to turn every misfortune into a wide range of opportunities.