Ondo politicians jostle for appointments in Aiyedatiwa’s govt

Intense lobbying has begun in Ondo State as politicians scramble for appointments in Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration following his official inauguration on Monday as the seventh democratically elected governor of the state. Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured a landslide victory in the November 16, 2024, governorship election, winning in all 18 local […]

Intense lobbying has begun in Ondo State as politicians scramble for appointments in Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration following his official inauguration on Monday as the seventh democratically elected governor of the state.

Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured a landslide victory in the November 16, 2024, governorship election, winning in all 18 local government areas. He defeated 19 other candidates, including his main rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Daily Trust investigations reveal that expectations are high, especially among politicians and their supporters who worked for Aiyedatiwa’s victory. The political class is eager to see who will make the governor’s list of commissioners and other key appointees.

Observation by our correspondent revealed that the Alagbaka Government House has turned into a hub of intense lobbying, with politicians seeking to secure positions in the incoming cabinet. Many are leveraging political connections, while some are reportedly turning to religious leaders, traditional rulers and influential figures for endorsements.

With the APC’s strong performance in the election, expectations are mounting that the governor will reward loyalists with appointments to drive his development agenda, encapsulated in his “Our Ease” manifesto.

Political alignments and power play

It was gathered that some politicians are lobbying former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, whose support for Aiyedatiwa played a crucial role in the election. Sources say Mimiko has already submitted a list of his loyalists for consideration; with others eyeing slots in the State House of Assembly and National Assembly elections.

Several aspirants are also reaching out to Aiyedatiwa’s close allies within and outside the state, hoping to secure positions as commissioners, special advisers, and heads of agencies. Some APC chieftains have reportedly taken their lobbying to Abuja, engaging federal ministers, National Assembly members, and the presidency to strengthen their chances.

As a result, Governor Aiyedatiwa is reportedly under intense pressure from the APC leadership in the state to consider party loyalists for appointments. A party insider told Daily Trust that the party leadership is keen on ensuring that those who contributed to the party’s success are adequately rewarded.

An APC chieftain stressed that politicians who played significant roles in retaining Ondo for the party must be compensated with appointments across ministries, agencies, and parastatals. They said the emphasis on this had become more pressing in view of the governor’s overtures to opposition during his inaugural speech where he called on them to come and join him in moving the state forward.

Despite the pressure, Aiyedatiwa is said to be treading carefully, weighing his options to avoid offending key political backers. He is reportedly working to strike a balance in his appointments to accommodate both his loyalists and influential figures who helped secure his victory.

Sources close to the governor, however, indicate that Aiyedatiwa is determined to bring in competent technocrats, particularly young professionals, to drive his administration’s agenda.

Since assuming office, Aiyedatiwa has kept the state waiting for his full cabinet list. Last month, he dissolved the cabinet he inherited from the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, asking members to hand over government property. However, he retained Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo (SAN) and Commissioner for Finance, Omowunmi Isaac, citing the critical nature of their roles.

Despite the ongoing lobby, Aiyedatiwa has made key appointments since taking the oath of office. He named Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, son of Afenifere leader Chief Reuben Fasoranti, as Secretary to the State Government (SSG). Fasoranti, a medical doctor from Akure South LGA, previously chaired the Ondo State Hospitals Management Board.

Additionally, Aiyedatiwa reappointed Kayode Ajulo as Attorney General and Omowunmi Isaac as Finance Commissioner. Four special advisers—Johnson Alabi (Power), Seun Osamaye (Women Affairs), Bola Taiwo (Union Matters & Special Duties), and Simidele Odimayo (Health)—were also named. The governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Infrastructure, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, was elevated to Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing.

Aiyedatiwa urged his appointees to “hit the ground running” in delivering effective governance.

Pundits urge merit-based appointments

Meanwhile, political observers note that lobbying for appointments is common in politics but stress that competence should be the guiding principle.

Political analyst, Kayode Adeniran told Daily Trust that Aiyedatiwa must prioritise merit while ensuring fair representation across the state’s senatorial zones.

An aide to the governor hinted that while new faces would dominate the cabinet, those who worked for Aiyedatiwa’s victory would not be left out.

“You can take this to the bank—the consensus is that there will be mostly new faces to give the government a fresh start. Many people who worked for the governor’s victory are either competent themselves or have capable allies,” the source said.

On his part, APC spokesman, Alex Kalejaye assured that Ondo residents should expect a vibrant cabinet, with a blend of experienced and dynamic individuals.