Ondo State has remained a relaxing home for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu even before becoming the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He is the national leader of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and is also seen and respected as a father figure in the entire South West. He visits former governors of the state and Government House regularly.
Ondo State Government House ground is usually a place where special dignitaries including presidents are been received and their public activated hosted.
But President Tinubu’s recent visit to the state has raised eyebrows among political leaders and citizens alike, as it seems to signal his disapproval of the state Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa’s personality, administration and ambition.
In an unprecedented move, the President chose to use a playground in Ijapo Estate instead of the usual government house ground for his public activities. This decision has been interpreted as a big snub to the sitting governor, indicating that the President is not pleased with his performance and actions in the State.
Sources close to the Presidency have revealed that the President is not happy with the way the Governor is handling the political situation in the state, and this was the main reason for his decision to use an alternative venue for his activities as an expression of his (Mr. President) disapproval of the Governor’s activities in the state.
Many citizens of the state have also expressed their dissatisfaction with the governor’s leadership style, citing issues such as inexperience, corruption and mismanagement of public funds within this few month of his administration.
The Governor’s hostile relationship with the party leadership in the state has also caused concerns among party members and political leaders, who fear that his actions may have negative consequences for the party’s prospects in future elections.
As the 2024 elections draw near, many are speculating that the President’s visit and his decision to use an alternative venue for his activities snubbing the Governor and the usual Government House may be an indication of his support for a different candidate from the governor. However, it remains to be seen what implications these developments will have on the state’s political landscape.
In any case, the President’s visit and his subtle message to the governor have certainly stirred the pot and added fuel to the already tense political atmosphere in the state. Only time will tell how this situation will play out, and what it means for the future of the state’s political leadership.
Dr. Adekunle Lawal is the chairman,
Patriotic Leaders Forum, Ondo State Chapter