Impeachment: Aiyedatiwa Apologises To Akeredolu

The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has apologised to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, over the negative press and perceived discord between them while the latter was on medical vacation.

Addressing newsmen in his office on Thursday in Akure, Mr Aiyedatiwa said that he was saddened by the embarrassment and discomfort the governor had faced due to barrage of negative news in the state as a result of his absence in the last few months.

The State House of Assembly had moved to impeach the deputy governor leading to various interest groups taking sides for and against the move.

The deputy governor, who pledged his loyalty to the governor and commitment to the development of the state, said that his action was to calm the furore in order to restore peace and tranquility to the state.

Mr Aiyedatiwa said there had never been any issue between him and Akeredolu adding that at no time did he undermine the authority of the governor.

He added that some political actors had only taken advantage of Akeredolu’s absence to create a nonexistent crisis for their selfish interest.

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

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

“It is with reference to the above that I hereby tender my unreserved apologies to Mr governor and the good people of Ondo state, and I assure that, together, we will both complete this journey with honour, divine guidance and in good health by the grace of God,” he said.

Mr Aiyedatiwa denied all the allegations being peddled against him by those he described as “desperate to get rid of him from government ahead of the next election”.

He pledged to continue to maintain decorum in the face of those false and baseless accusations and called on all political actors to allow peace to reign in the state for the people to enjoy the dividends of democracy.