A coalition operating under the Ondo South Youths Forum (OSYF) has urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State to promptly take action and be cautious of certain cabinet members who seem more focused on gaining superficial popularity rather than providing effective governance.
In a statement issued by its coordinator, Barr. Kingsley Omogbehin, the OSYF, expressed its worries and specifically warned Aiyedatiwa’s advisors against involving the governor in unnecessary political conflicts, especially with notable figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We are aware of the current dispute involving one of Aiyedatiwa’s commissioners and a serving minister under President Bola Tinubu. We advise the commissioner to handle his own issues independently and not entangle the governor in them, which could lead to unwarranted animosities,” the statement said.
The group reminded Aiyedatiwa of the significant role played by that particular minister in securing his political standing, particularly during the impeachment turmoil, and emphasized that his administration should concentrate on governance rather than personal grudges.
“Aiyedatiwa should always be appreciative of this minister for the assistance provided before and during the election, notably during the impeachment situation. This commissioner should recognize that without divine intervention and support from influential individuals like the aforementioned minister, Aiyedatiwa would not have attained the governorship, nor would he have been appointed as a commissioner,” the group added.
“It is particularly concerning that some of the governor’s appointees are behaving as though they are the state’s Commissioner for Information by consistently issuing statements from their offices rather than concentrating on their designated responsibilities. This is intolerable. We are not a ‘Banana Republic.’”
The OSYF also criticized some of Aiyedatiwa’s aides for being disingenuous politicians who do not genuinely support the advancement of the APC.
“We are aware of the roles played by many of these aides during the APC presidential primaries in 2022, and we caution them against bringing their insincere behaviors to Ondo State. They are merely sycophants.”
Encouraging the governor to maintain his focus, the group urged him to prioritize state development over distractions caused by his advisors.
“Dear Mr. Governor, it is essential to start making progress and to steer clear of distractions. You have only four years, and the impact you make on the lives of the people and your legacy projects will define how you are remembered.”
Moreover, the group expressed disappointment over the absence of government presence in the Ondo South Senatorial District, despite Aiyedatiwa’s origin from the area, and pointed out that the last time the district experienced genuine governance was during the administration of the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu.
