The return of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu from his three-month medical vacation in Germany has stirred both jubilation and panic in Ondo State.
While most residents, including civil servants, market women, religious institutions, and others, celebrate the Governor’s return, it was alleged that this development caught the Deputy Governor’s camp off guard.
A deluge of congratulatory messages has poured in from various quarters, welcoming the Governor back.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Ondo State House of Assembly, the APC in the state, several party leaders, labour leaders, and other prominent individuals have expressed their joy over the Governor’s safe return.
Since returning on Thursday, Governor Akeredolu has held several meetings, signed the local council development areas bill into law, and attended official business.
An insider in the government, who prefers to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the matter, confided in Nairaland that the Governor’s full recovery took aback the Deputy Governor and his camp.
According to the source, “The Deputy Governor attended the meetings held on Friday in Ibadan. When the Governor walked in on his own two legs, the Deputy Governor appeared astonished.
“He seemed lost and preoccupied to the extent that, during the national anthem, he kept staring at the Governor in surprise.
“The Deputy Governor’s camp is now in total panic. Several commissioners and special advisers with him are attempting to switch sides, but it seems too late for them.
“We weren’t part of his camp, although we didn’t join the few who resisted Aiyedatiwa. In fact, our names were rumoured to be on the list of those to be sacked if the Governor couldn’t return, and Aiyedatiwa took over. Fortunately, the Governor’s safe return vindicates us.
“As it stands now, we don’t know what will happen next, but judging by the Governor’s demeanor, he seems inclined to let everyone complete the remaining tenure.”
Another reliable source in Abuja expressed concern about Aiyedatiwa’s disloyalty, alleging that the Deputy Governor had challenged the nomination of Otito Atikase as the state representative on the NDDC board.
“The Deputy Governor called one of our leaders and questioned him about Otito’s emergence, even though he was already aware that the Governor nominated Atikase. His disloyalty is unprecedented.”
