Ondo Guber Election: A Happy Ending for the ‘Lucky’ Man

“Friendship is like paper. It will never be the same once crumpled’’

 The just-concluded governorship election in Ondo State was one filled with many intrigues and shocking stories. For Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, it was no doubt a story of a happy ending, particularly going by the battles he fought on the road to securing the top job.

Back in 2021 when his late boss, former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu picked him as his running mate for that year’s election, it was generally believed that the succession battle would be smooth and without rancour.

It was reported back then that Aiyedatiwa, an established Bureau de Change (BDC) operator, had a sterling relationship with the first lady. The relationship, which sources claimed was business-related, was one reportedly built on trust and seemed like one birthed in heaven and consummated on earth.

It was gathered that Aiyedatiwa was introduced to the first lady by a friend who at the time was said to be a senior aide to Akeredolu. In no time, the ever-smiling Aiyedatiwa earned the trust of the first lady who at the time would swear by Amadioha, the god of thunder, on the loyalty of the now-Governor Aiyedatiwa.

It was once a chummy relationship that was the envy of many in the state.

Providence played a sweet and melodious tune for Aiyedatiwa to dance when an intractable disagreement broke out between Governor Akeredolu and his then-deputy, Agboola Ajayi, who was subsequently dumped when the race for the second term began. Talk at the time was that Agboola was ambitious to take over his boss’ position. The search for a trusted and loyal deputy did not take long, as Betty reportedly remembered  Aiyedatiwa.

It was, therefore, a huge shock for many in the inner circle of the late governor when the first lady took the battle to her erstwhile ‘good boy’ while the husband was on the sick bed.  Back then, no one could ever have predicted that the duo would one day live like cat and mouse.

 The camaraderie did not last, as they parted ways in one of the messiest circumstances,  accusing Aiyedatiwa of alleged treachery and betrayal of trust.  However, in politics, such an occurrence is not strange but no one foresaw the crumbling of their friendship so soon.

In the heat of the crisis and before his death, Akeredolu moved to remove Aiyedatiwa through the House of Assembly but failed.  Aiyedatiwa was almost like a pariah; many people didn’t want to touch even a ten-foot pole. But immediately after the death of the former governor and Aiyedatiwa was sworn in, his home instantly became a mecca of sorts while those who despised him in the past now go to him with hats in hands.

He became a reference point and a colossus in the state and also a force to be reckoned with in the political circle.

Aiyedatiwa was expected to settle the battle with his former boss and benefactor, Betty Akeredolu before last Saturday’s election, but this is not to be, as it seems they have become sworn enemies that have refused to see eye-to-eye. She reportedly claimed that her family did not endorse any candidate for the election. Aiyedatiwa, however, dedicated his victory at the poll to his late boss, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu