Ondo 2024: Senators, Reps, Tinubu’s Loyalists Shun Aiyedatiwa’s Declaration
The absence of key political figures from Ondo State, including two senators and seven House of Representatives members, at Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s official declaration for the governorship election on November 16 has raised concerns.
Notable among the absentees were
Senators Adeniyi Adegbonmire and Jide Ipinsagba representing Ondo central and north respectively.
Except for Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and House of Representatives lawmaker (Irele/Okitipupa), Hon. Jimi Odimayo, who are also governorship aspirants, the reasons for these national assembly lawmakers’ absence from Aiyedatiwa’s political event are unknown at the time of writing.
It could not be immediately confirmed if their absence has to do with the open letter five of them wrote to President Bola Tinubu against Governor Aiyedatiwa alleging misconduct against his late predecessor and former principal, late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The open letter was signed by five federal lawmakers: Hon. Adesida Abiodun Cornelius (Akure North/South), Hon. Timehin Adelegbe (Owo/Ose), Hon. Festus Adefiranye Ayodele (Ileoluji-Okeigbo/Odigbo), Hon. Odimayo Okunjimi John (Okitipupa/Irele), and Hon Adegboyega Adefarati (Akoko south-west/south).
The lawmakers had informed the president that the governor has been associating with staunch political opponents of his late predecessor, as well as cozying up to the opposition party.
Aside the federal lawmakers, the two ministers representing the state at the federal executive council, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and Mr Ayodele Olawande also shunned the event.
Other notable absentees included core Tinubu supporters in the state, such as Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, Dr. Segun Abraham, and Otunba Solomon Oladunni.
