Ondo govt rejects Fijabi’s criticism of Aiyedatiwa as dishonest, divisive

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State Government has dismissed allegations by a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Demola Ijabiyi, that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was behind the crisis rocking the party, describing the claim as false, unfair and capable of deepening divisions within the APC.

The government, in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Communication, Debo Akinbami, accused Ijabiyi of using a gathering purportedly organised in Akure to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu as a platform to launch attacks against the governor.

Akinbami maintained that Aiyedatiwa had consistently promoted unity within the party, saying the governor remained committed to accommodating leaders and members within the party while pursuing reconciliation.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa has remained committed to peace, reconciliation and inclusiveness. He listens to party leaders, respects elders and has never discriminated against or harboured grudges against anyone,” the statement read.

The government alleged that the accusations against the governor were part of deliberate efforts by some party members to drag his name into avoidable controversies and create fresh tension within the APC.

It further argued that while the governor was investing time and resources in uniting the party ahead of future political engagements, Ijabiyi and those aligned with him were working against the reconciliation process.

“If there are genuine concerns, there are established channels through which party elders can engage the governor. Resorting to public attacks only undermines the unity and progress of the party,” Akinbami stated.

The government therefore urged Ijabiyi to support ongoing peace efforts within the APC instead of actions capable of fuelling further discord, insisting that party cohesion should take precedence over personal grievances.