Embattled Ondo Deputy Gov Denies Suponsoring Protest Against Akeredolu

Embattled deputy governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has denied sponsoring any protest against his principal and governor of the state, Arakunri Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, over his ill-health.

The camp of the governor, led by Hon. Alabi Johnson, had alleged that some people loyal to the Deputy Governor were planning to stage a protest in Akure this Tuesday to “portray the Governor as incapacitated, hidden away from public view by his family and associates.”

According to Johnson, “This plan involves the mobilization of youth, primarily from Ilaje in Ilaje local government area, who are expected to present a distorted account of Mr. Governor’s health status.

“This plan, spearheaded by an individual named Biyi Poroye, the organizers aim to portray the Governor as incapacitated, hidden away from public view by his family and associates.

“Even worse, they intend to employ the slogan “Jara e gba” to mislead the people of the state and garner support for actions that may incite discord against the Governor.”

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But, reacting to the allegation of anti-Akeredolu protest, Aiyedatiwa, who dissociated himself from the plan, affirmed his commitment to the ongoing reconciliation efforts of the national leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on the political situation in the state.

Aiyedatiwa said the efforts of the APC leadership were already yielding the much-needed tranquillity in the state.

While reiterating that no group had his endorsement to hold any protest in the state, the deputy governor said: “My attention has been drawn to some false publications in which it was alleged that a group loyal to me is planning to hold a protest against the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, today in Akure.

“This is to inform the good and peace-loving people of Ondo State that I am not aware of any such protest and no group or association has my endorsement to carry out a public demonstration of any kind.

“I affirm my commitment to the ongoing reconciliation efforts of the National leadership of our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the political situation in our State which is already yielding much-needed tranquility in the State.

“Therefore, I enjoin the security operatives in the State to continue to maintain peace and ensure that the good people of Ondo State go about their daily activities without any disturbance.”