Ondo Governor Delays Deputy Appointment: Political Ripples in Aiyedatiwa’s Governance
Three weeks have passed since Lucky Aiyedatiwa assumed office as the Governor of Ondo State, yet he has not nominated a deputy governor for appointment, sparking fresh political debates in the state, reports Daily Trust.
Aiyedatiwa took over the gubernatorial reins from his late predecessor, former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, following the latter’s demise in office. His swearing-in ceremony took place on December 27, 2023, administered by the State Chief Judge, Olusegun Odunsola. However, despite swiftly initiating developmental projects left by his predecessor, Aiyedatiwa has not addressed the crucial issue of appointing a deputy governor to assist in the day-to-day governance of the state.
The delay in nominating a deputy governor has raised eyebrows, especially considering that previous governors who assumed office under similar circumstances acted more promptly. Former Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Yero, for instance, appointed his deputy on December 28, 2012, just 12 days after assuming office. Similarly, former Yobe State Governor Ibrahim Gaidam appointed his deputy two days after assuming office on January 27, 2009. Even in the case of the vice president, former President Goodluck Jonathan appointed his vice a week after being sworn in on May 6, 2010.
Observers in Ondo State have speculated that Governor Aiyedatiwa, accused of running a one-man show in governance, is taking his time to select a loyalist to deputize him. Pressure has been mounting on Aiyedatiwa to make a decision, particularly as the state prepares for the November 16 governorship election, in which he is expected to be a frontrunner.
Sources close to the governor have revealed that Aiyedatiwa might be undecided about the geographical origin of his deputy, as he also intends to contest the upcoming governorship election. One option under consideration is to choose a deputy from Owo, the hometown of his late predecessor, to complete the current government’s term, which ends in February 2025. Another consideration is to select a deputy from the central senatorial district to garner support for his gubernatorial bid.
Two members of Aiyedatiwa’s cabinet, Mr. Olugbenga Ale, the former Chief of Staff to Akeredolu, and Rasaq Obe, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, are reportedly favored for the deputy governorship position. Ale hails from Owo, while Rasaq is from Ifedore in the central zone of the state and played a pivotal role in Aiyedatiwa’s emergence as Akeredolu’s successor.
As the governor deliberates on this crucial decision, a pressure group known as the Ondo Redemption Front has called for urgency in nominating a deputy governor to ensure the full functioning of the state government. The group has emphasized that the absence of a deputy governor not only neglects constitutional duties but also leaves the state vulnerable to governance challenges.
In response to the mounting pressure, Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, has denied that the governor is under any pressure to nominate a deputy governor. Adeniyan affirmed that the governor would make the appointment in due course, highlighting Aiyedatiwa’s focus on completing ongoing developmental projects.
Legal experts have weighed in on the situation, noting that there is no specific timeframe within which a governor must appoint a deputy, especially under unique circumstances like those faced by Aiyedatiwa. They have emphasized the governor’s prerogative in selecting a deputy and have urged patience in the process.
In summary, Governor Aiyedatiwa’s delay in nominating a deputy governor has stirred political discussions in Ondo State, with stakeholders eagerly awaiting his decision as the state gears up for the upcoming gubernatorial election. The governor’s careful consideration of various factors, including political dynamics and geographical representation, underscores the significance of this appointment in shaping the state’s future leadership.
Daily Trust
