Ondo political crisis: Deputy apologises to Gov Akeredolu

…reaffirms loyalty, sues for peace

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the embattled deputy governor of Ondo State, has apologised to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for the ‘embarrassment and discomfort that the recent political upheaval in the state has caused him.’

Aiyedatiwa, who tendered the apology on Thursday in Akure while addressing newsmen in his office, said; “I thank Mr Governor for allowing the State House of Assembly to embrace the political solution offered by the national body of our great party, APC and that shows that Mr. Governor is a democrat, that allows for discussion.”

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The deputy governor said; “Let me begin by thanking my principal, Mr. Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON, who provided me with this platform to serve as the deputy governor of Ondo State. I must say it has been a worthwhile experience for me working with him for the benefit of the good people of our dear state.

“However, I am deeply saddened by the embarrassment and discomfort that Mr. Governor has faced due to the barrage of negative news in the state as a result of the events of the last few months. I tender my sincere apology to Mr. Governor on this as our leader in the state.

“Our beloved state has witnessed a series of events triggered by the health challenges faced by Mr. Governor which gave rise to a lot of assumptions, falsehoods, insinuations, misunderstandings, misconceptions, and exploitation by political contenders preparing for the upcoming 2024 gubernatorial election in the state.

“We have continued to read in the media, all sorts of lies fabricated to create crisis just for the purpose of election. The recent impeachment attempt by the House of Assembly and the ensuing reactions have further created division and chaos, with my loyalty to Mr. Governor being questioned.

The deputy governor said it was imperative for him to put on record that there has never been any issue between himself and Governor Akeredolu, adding that “I have never undermined him.”

He said political actors have only taken advantage of the governor’s absence to create a non-existent crisis for their own selfish interests.

“Let me say it here that I am profoundly grateful to Mr. Governor for his intervention and role in persuading the distinguished members of Ondo State House of Assembly to embrace the political solution offered by our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the face of the impeachment move.

“It is in reference to all of the above that I tender my unreserved apologies to Mr. Governor for the embarrassment and discomfort that the political chaos of these past months has caused him and the good people of Ondo State.

“I remain fully committed to the principles of good governance that Mr. Governor has established, and I pledge my unwavering loyalty to him and I will continue to submit myself under his able, courageous and selfless leadership.

“I completely distance myself from any group or individuals holding protests or calling on the Governor to resign. I have never commissioned any individual or group to engage in such protest or campaign.

“I wish to thank the national leadership of our great party, APC, for the intervention on the impeachment move against me while I also pledge my commitment to the reconciliation efforts aimed at restoring peace in the state.

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“I have a lot of respect for the speaker, members of the House of Assembly and members of the state executive council, and I do not hold any grudge. We must all work together for the smooth running of government.

I want to appeal to all political actors in the state to put an end to this needless crisis and allow peace so that we can all concentrate on the development of our dear state.

“The lesson that I learnt was that as a human being, you will continue to learn every day, I have learnt about human dynamics, people can take you out of context, misconception and all of that. But what matter is that you should remain stable, and be consistent, remain loyal in respective of whatever they said the truth will always prevail at the end of the day.”