By Ayodele Oni
The struggle for the control of government machinery in Ondo state following continued absence of Governor Oluwarotimi has taken another dimension as a group accused the acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Olugbenga Ale, of fuelling the crisis.
The Group, Concerned Stakeholders (Senior Workers) in the Public Service of Ondo State accused Aiyedatiwa of doing everything possible to ensure that the ailing Governor Akeredolu does not return to his seat.
The Governor’s one month medical leave ended on July 7, but from his message to the people of the State few days ago, he may not return until advised by his doctors.
The Concerned Stakeholders, in a lengthy statement, stated that “Aiyedatiwa has become disloyal.
“His wish is for the Governor not to return, a plan that will surely fail. As acting Governor, his relentless attacks on Aragbaiye, an aide of the governor and the Finance Commissioner, Wale Akinterinwa, stem from his desire for unrestricted access to the state treasury without following due process.
“The claim that Aiyedatiwa is being deprived of funds and unable to attend functions outside the state due to this reason is baseless and unintelligent.
“The roles played by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Gbenga Ale, are evident. He is actively supporting the Deputy Governor and encouraging him to confront those close to the Governor.
“To the Chief of Staff, Aragbaiye is considered a sworn enemy due to his refusal to allow them to misuse Government resources.
“The Chief of Staff holds grievances because the Governor did not trust him to assign to him sensitive roles and responsibilities.
“The acting governor and his own “cabals” have failed to provide evidence of any significant changes in Dare Aragbaiye’s conduct since the Governor went on medical leave.
“What has he done differently that he wasn’t doing when the Governor was around? Aiyedatiwa’s supporters should delve deeper and present a more realistic narrative.
“If Aragbaiye’s role in the Government has indeed changed during the governor’s absence, they should inform us. It’s not enough to pick on him as a convenient scapegoat. You cannot make him forfeit his loyalty to the Governor.
“Other recruits of Aiyedatiwa want us to believe that their paymaster is the victim in this recent released story on the Social media.
“However, they seem to forget that we live in an ecosystem where information spreads rapidly. Apart from their fabricated lies and mischievous tactics, it is widely known that Aiyedatiwa has become disloyal.
