Things Fall Apart between Aiyedatiwa, SSG, and Other Cabinet Members

A nickname is typically earned through past incidents, carrying a unique story or memory. This seemed not to apply to Nigerian states. If it did, Ondo State, being the Sunshine State, would not witness so many schisms between top officials like the governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and his cabinet members.

Things continue to heat up in Ondo, thanks to the many factions that emerged after the untimely passing of the former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu. With Akeredolu’s deputy, Aiyedatiwa, now in control, some of the voices that were subservient during Akeredolu’s time have turned harsh and rasping, causing trouble for the new governor.

Presently, it is reported that even Akeredolu’s official burial ceremony has turned into a cause for debate and power/authority tussles. This only goes to show the breadth of conflict and fury brimming just under the surface among the state government’s cabinet members.

The main root of the current dissension is allegedly the list of individuals in the burial planning committee. Supposedly, Aiyedatiwa left out certain people who believed themselves to have the right to chair the committee or, at least, be members. Among these individuals, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Princess Oladunni Odu, is the most prominent.

Based on reports, Odu rushed towards Aiyedatiwa’s office upon learning he had excluded her from the burial planning committee. Several influential people had to get involved before calming her.

Although some people consider Odu’s alleged actions to be rooted in her close relationship with the late Akeredolu, others insist that she is trying to protect her interest. She reportedly played a significant role in the impeachment attempt on Aiyedatiwa a few months ago. Odu is also rumoured to be interested in the governorship seat and supposedly unhappy that Aiyedatiwa occupies this position now.

At this rate, peace may be far away from Aiyedatiwa, and the good people of Ondo who are caught in the middle of the power tussle. Indeed, things are falling apart in the Sunshine State.