There is no hostility between Gov Aiyedatiwa and Interior Minister — Info Commissioner

Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Idowu Ajanaku speaks with Hakeem Gbadamosi on politics in the state, the 2027 general elections, support groups and the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

THE governor recently appointed 1,000 aides, a move described as unprecedented in the state’s history. What informed this decision, and what roles are the aides expected to play?

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is a humane leader who believes in giving people a sense of belonging and addressing poverty at the grassroots.

In the past, when stakeholders travelled from places such as Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Okitipupa and Akoko to attend meetings in Akure, the stipends they received were sometimes insufficient to cover their transport costs. The governor changed that arrangement by ensuring that participants received better support. Beyond that, we recognised the need to tackle poverty at the grassroots and ensure that party members felt included in governance. Ondo State has a population of between four million and six million people, yet only 18 people can serve as commissioners at a time. The governor therefore decided to appoint aides across the local government areas to broaden participation and bring governance closer to the people. These aides are expected to serve as government representatives in their respective wards. They will provide security information, report developments in their communities and monitor the progress of government projects. The governor and his commissioners cannot be everywhere, so the aides will help bridge the gap between the government and the people.

The appointments are also expected to have an economic impact. For instance, if an aide earns about N220,000 monthly, that income can support local businesses and stimulate economic activity within the community. Ultimately, the objective is to take governance directly to the wards, reduce poverty, promote grassroots participation and give people a sense of belonging. We believe that when people feel included in governance, they are more likely to support the government and its programmes.

There have been reports of a strained relationship between the governor and his deputy, who is expected to work closely with him. What is your response?

Let me state clearly that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, enjoy an excellent working relationship. Their relationship is cordial and peaceful. Governor Aiyedatiwa is not the kind of politician who engages in what I would describe as “movie-type politics”. The deputy governor, for his part, is an accomplished administrator who served as a deputy director in the National Assembly. Their backgrounds and approach to governance have contributed to their cordial working relationship.

On the allegation concerning the N180 million entertainment allowance for the Office of the Deputy Governor, which reportedly generated controversy on social media, the governor himself was surprised when the issue was brought to his attention. He asked, “What’s going on?” and directed that the matter be investigated. We discovered that the money had been paid almost three months before the allegation surfaced, although there might have been some bureaucratic bottlenecks that caused confusion over the payment. The governor also stated at a meeting that the matter had been resolved, and the deputy governor confirmed that his office had received the money. There is, therefore, no rift between the governor and his deputy. Their relationship is cordial, and I can confidently say it is one of the best in the country.

Beyond the reported disagreement with his deputy, there have been reports of strained relations between the governor and some federal lawmakers, as well as concerns about his alleged ties with opposition figures. Could these affect APC unity in the state?

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To understand the governor’s position on this matter, we need to look at his political antecedents and how he has conducted himself over the years as a politician and party member. In 2019, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa wanted to contest the Ondo South senatorial seat. However, the party leadership in Abuja decided to grant automatic tickets to incumbent senators, a decision that affected his ambition. At the time, there were suggestions that he should move to the Action Alliance (AA) to obtain a ticket and pursue his senatorial ambition. But he made it clear that he was a democrat and a loyal party member who would abide by the decisions of the party leadership. He declined the opportunity, even though it could have offered him a platform to contest. That decision speaks volumes about his political disposition. If someone who had an opportunity to pursue his personal ambition through another party chose instead to respect his party’s decision, why would he become governor and suddenly begin to engage in anti-party activities?

The truth is that Governor Aiyedatiwa believes in playing politics without bitterness. He understands that politics is about consultation, negotiation and the ability to accommodate different interests. He has demonstrated this disposition even in difficult circumstances.

Many people are aware of the challenges he faced as deputy governor. Yet, he did not allow those experiences to push him into taking actions that could destabilise the state. Even when disagreements arise within the political space, he has continued to demonstrate restraint.

Recently, an APC aspirant in Ose/Owo Federal Constituency was reported to have criticised the governor. Rather than respond in a manner that could escalate the situation, the governor maintained his composure. To us, this reflects his belief that political disagreements should not destroy relationships or undermine the party. The governor also has a close political relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he regards as a political leader. He has consistently maintained that he remains the leader of the APC in Ondo State and is committed to the party’s success. On the controversy surrounding his interaction with the ADC senatorial candidate at the Government House Chapel, I believe people should be careful not to draw conclusions without understanding the circumstances. An interaction with a political figure does not, in itself, establish that a governor is working against his party. We must distinguish between political engagement and anti-party activities.

Regarding the claim that the governor gatecrashed the APC Central Senatorial District campaign rally in Idanre, I want to state clearly that he planned the rally. How can the governor, who is also the party’s leader in the state, gatecrash an event he organised?

The governor’s presence at the rally demonstrated his commitment to the party and its candidates. Those suggesting otherwise should consider the circumstances surrounding the event rather than rely on speculation.

It is also important to understand that disagreements over party tickets and the emergence of candidates are not new in Nigerian politics. In the past, governors and party leaders have supported aspirants who eventually failed to secure their parties’ tickets. For instance, during the administration of the late former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, there were occasions when candidates favoured by the leadership did not emerge as the party’s flagbearers. Such developments are part of the political process and should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that a leader has lost relevance or is working against the party. The most important issue is what happens after the party concludes its selection process. Once candidates emerge, party members and leaders are expected to work together to ensure the party’s success in the general election.

Let me therefore assure APC members and the people of Ondo State that Governor Aiyedatiwa remains committed to the APC. He has made his position clear: he remains the party’s leader in the state, and his administration will support its candidates in the 2027 general elections.

Our commitment is to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other APC candidates contesting seats in the Senate, House of Representatives and Ondo State House of Assembly. We want the party to remain united and build on its achievements. The governor has no intention of engaging in anti-party activities. Such conduct is inconsistent with his political philosophy and the position he has repeatedly expressed. What we need at this time is unity, mutual understanding and a collective commitment to the APC’s success.

There are also reports of a rift between Governor Aiyedatiwa and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. What is the situation?

The reality is that Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa is not a politician who talks excessively, nor does he engage in propaganda. He believes that leadership requires maturity, restraint and a focus on issues that matter to the people. Governor Aiyedatiwa and Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo are both important APC stakeholders in Ondo State. While Tunji-Ojo serves as Minister of Interior, Aiyedatiwa is the governor and the party’s leader in the state, in line with the APC’s organisational structure.

I have not seen any instance in which Governor Aiyedatiwa publicly disparaged Tunji-Ojo, nor have I seen the minister publicly disparage the governor. It is important to distinguish between what the two leaders have actually said or done and what their supporters may be saying in political circles. Sometimes, supporters create disagreements where none exist. People with particular political interests can interpret ordinary political developments as evidence of hostility between leaders. That is why we must be careful not to allow speculation to define relationships between important stakeholders.

Tunji-Ojo also has a responsibility to work with the governor to protect Ondo State’s interests and strengthen the APC. The party’s success in the state is important to all of us. We must remember that the state’s political fortunes are also connected to developments at the national level. The emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu created the political environment in which the APC continues to operate nationally. Our collective responsibility should therefore be to strengthen the party and ensure its continued success. Beyond individual ambitions, we must focus on governance, party unity and the achievements the APC can present to the electorate. Whether Governor Aiyedatiwa serves four years or eight years, his performance in office will influence public perception of the party and could shape its future electoral prospects. If he performs well, it will benefit his administration, the APC and whoever eventually emerges as the party’s candidate in subsequent elections. Conversely, poor performance could have negative consequences for the party. That is why all stakeholders must work as a team, support the governor in delivering on his mandate and strengthen the party ahead of future elections. I want to state categorically that, from my perspective, there is no disagreement between Governor Aiyedatiwa and Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. What we need is greater cooperation among political leaders and their supporters to advance the interests of Ondo State and the APC.

With the emergence of several BTO support groups, what are the APC and Governor Aiyedatiwa doing to unite them ahead of 2027?

The party already has a campaign team and an established structure for coordinating activities ahead of the 2027 general elections. As the APC leader in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is expected to coordinate the party’s activities in the state.

I appeal to all support groups and those loyal to different political leaders to unite under the governor’s leadership. There is nothing wrong with having affiliations with different leaders, but such relationships should not create divisions within the party.

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu comes to Ondo State to campaign, the governor will be responsible for coordinating the party’s activities and mobilising support. All stakeholders must therefore work together to present a united front.

Having worked closely with President Tinubu for about 30 years, I can say that patience, loyalty and respect for party leadership are important in politics. History has shown that political calculations do not always determine who eventually emerges for elective positions.

For instance, Babatunde Fashola emerged as Lagos governor in 2007, while Rotimi Akeredolu became the ACN governorship candidate in Ondo State in 2012 despite competition from other prominent politicians. Akinwunmi Ambode also emerged as the APC governorship candidate in Lagos in 2015. These examples show why politicians should not allow personal ambitions to undermine party unity. Those aspiring to future positions must respect the party’s leadership and understand that political opportunities can change. Our priority now should be President Tinubu’s re-election and the success of all APC candidates in 2027. Support groups are free to mobilise voters, but their activities should complement the party’s official structure under Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership.

How is the state government addressing the perennial sea incursion in Ayetoro and ensuring a lasting solution?

The state government has put several plans in place to address the perennial sea incursion in Ayetoro. Let me assure you that the problem in the Ilaje area will be tackled in the same way the Bar Beach erosion problem was addressed in Lagos. The Ondo State Government is discussing with the company that handled the Bar Beach project to undertake the Ayetoro project. We have been briefed at a State Executive Council meeting, and the remaining steps are to finalise the details and sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU). Hopefully, the company will move to site before December, as we are determined to check the sea incursion and prevent further destruction in the affected area. Beyond controlling the incursion, the government is planning extensive sand-filling operations to modernise the area and make it more attractive for the investments expected in Ayetoro. The project is on, and we are working towards a lasting solution.