By John Umeh
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has dismissed widespread rumors of a political feud between him and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, describing the claims as baseless and designed to distract from governance.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Information, Smart Omodunbi, on Wednesday in Akure, the governor reiterated that there was no quarrel between him and Tunji-Ojo, stressing that their relationship remained cordial and focused on service delivery.
“The governor does not have the luxury of time for petty fights with a minister,” Omodunbi said. “Both leaders are committed to governance and development. The public should disregard such insinuations.”
Party Elders Move to Quell Tensions
The clarification followed rising concerns among political stakeholders after supporters of both Aiyedatiwa and Tunji-Ojo reportedly clashed over perceived political influence within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State.
The Ondo Mandate Elders Forum, a coalition of party veterans and opinion leaders, convened a meeting on Wednesday in Akure to address what they described as “growing tension in the political space.”
Led by former Commissioner of Works, Erastus Akeju, the elders resolved to invite the governor and the minister for dialogue, saying unity was crucial as the state prepares for the next electoral cycle.
“We cannot fold our arms and watch things degenerate into a full-blown crisis,” convener of the forum, Ademola Ijabiyi, explained. “Governor Aiyedatiwa is our governor, and Bunmi Tunji-Ojo is our son, too. They are both leaders of Ondo State. We will call them and insist on peace.”
Focus Remains on Development
Observers note that both men hold significant political weight in Ondo State, with Aiyedatiwa steering the state government and Tunji-Ojo wielding influence at the federal level. Analysts say attempts to paint a picture of rivalry are more reflective of grassroots political maneuvering ahead of the 2026 elections than of actual disagreements between the two leaders.
Omodunbi emphasized that the administration would not be distracted from its core mandate of improving the lives of the people of Ondo State. “Governor Aiyedatiwa remains focused on driving infrastructure, education, security, and other developmental programs. He values cooperation, not conflict.”
Meanwhile, the Ondo Mandate Elders Forum pledged to continue mediating between political actors to promote unity, stability, and peace in the state.
