Ondo Deputy Gov. Says Faceless Group Behind Protest Against Gov Akeredolu, Commits To Peace Efforts

By Ayodele Oni

A Group, Ondo Youth and Masses Conscience has again fingered the State Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the series of protests and media war against the continued absence of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu from the State.

However, the Deputy Governor has condemned his link to the protests, and  described those behind it as “faceless groups.” He, also, insisted that he remains committed to the peace moves by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The group’s allegation was contained in a statement in Akure on Tuesday, signed by Adetunji Benjamin, its State Coordinator,

The statement reads “We have been made aware of an ill-conceived and sinister plan orchestrated by associates of Ondo State’s Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.They intend to stage a press conference and protest tomorrow, 24th of October, 2023, concerning the health of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.

“This plan involves the mobilisation of youths, 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 organisers 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. We strongly condemn these actions and call on the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to take notice of this treacherous endeavour, even after their previous interventions.

“While we are well aware of the character of those involved, it is essential to put on notice that despite the reconciliation efforts by the National Leadership of the APC, the Deputy Governor and his supporters seem unwilling to embrace peace in the State.

“We are in possession of evidence of the planned press conference and protest, during which mocking statements were made about the people of Ondo State. This action undermines the efforts of the National Working Committee of the APC.

“While we respect the right of any group or organisation to hold a press conference or protest, it is disheartening and hypocritical that such an event would be organized to present falsehood about the health status of a Governor who is committed to the state’s progress.”

Aiyedatiwa in his reaction clarified that: “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 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 are already yielding the much needed tranquillity 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.”