There is a noticeable unease among the members of the Ondo State Executive Council as the deputy governor moves to battle the governor, Rotimi Akeredolu over the governorship seat.

Sources within the government have revealed that the governor has become aware of the deputy governor's lack of loyalty.

Reports suggest that the governor has grown increasingly uncomfortable due to blatant acts of disloyalty and excessive ambition of his deputy.

While the deputy governor has not officially declared his intention to run in the 2024 gubernatorial elections in the state, his campaign is said to have begun some time ago.

The trouble began when Governor Akeredolu went on vacation and entrusted the deputy governor with the responsibilities of the governor's office.

During his short stay as acting governor, the deputy governor, it is alleged, prioritized his personal interests over the state's and the governor's.

Furthermore, some members of the Executive Council have pointed fingers at the deputy governor regarding the circulation of stories about the governor's health and subsequent rumors of his demise.

The Exco members, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, revealed that the deputy governor had sparked rumors about the governor's health.

Expressing disappointment with the governor's choice of deputy governors, one of the Exco members clarified that Akeredolu's health was not deteriorating.

He explained, "The deputy governor is behind all these circulating stories. What actually happened was that after the Cabinet meeting three weeks ago and the subsequent courtesy visits, the governor decided to take some time to rest.

"The truth is, Aketi is a workaholic. Often, we are the ones who have to insist that he takes a break. After the strenuous work he did three weeks ago, he was resting at the government house in Akure. However, some individuals kept disturbing him at his residence.

"Then, last Sunday, he left Akure for Ibadan in the hope of getting some much-needed rest. The governor has been advised to deliberately spend quality time resting. So, the deputy governor went to Ibadan to visit him and brought along some files.

"However, he didn't inform the governor or his close aides about his visit. Upon reaching Ibadan, the governor signed the files, which were then returned to him. But the governor didn't wait to talk to the deputy governor.

"When he returned to Akure, he started telling some of our associates that the governor should transfer power to him. He even attempted to persuade Exco members to support his position.

"He deliberately initiated these rumors about the governor's health to gain public sympathy and support. The deputy governor lied to us. It was only when we started contacting the governor ourselves that we learned the truth.

"Just last Monday, the governor signed the May 2023 salary. The fact that the ministries are functioning should assure you that the governor is in charge and actively involved. At present, he is upset and pissed with these false stories."

In a related development, a group called the Renewed Mandate Progressives Forum (RMPF) has accused the Deputy Governor of plotting to cause confusion and seize power from the governor's office.

The group, in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Maxwell Olajuni, alleged that the deputy governor is inciting other members of the cabinet against the governor.

According to the statement, "We have reliable information that the deputy governor has made plans to challenge the governor for his seat. We are aware that Mr. Governor has been facing health challenges, but we have observed his recovery and his continued functioning.

"Recently, we received reports that the deputy governor has been meeting with various groups, offering them large sums of money to blackmail the governor using his health status as an excuse.

"Instead of praying for his boss and supporting him, the deputy governor seems determined to engage in a battle for the governorship. He is overly fixated on the office of the governor. He should wait until 2024 to contest for the governorship and allow Aketi to complete his tenure.

"We are compelled to raise this alarm due to the governor's numerous contributions to the Nigerian project. Aketi is not just a governor; he is a national asset. We will throw our weight behind him and support him through this unnecessary battle.

"It is disheartening that a man like Aketi does not have the fortune of a loyal and dedicated deputy governor. Aketi's sincere and trustworthy nature, combined with his integrity and honesty, are being taken for granted by these overly ambitious deputies. It is truly unfortunate."

However, a government insider revealed that the deputy governor has already formed a group within the cabinet.

"The deputy governor has promised the Commissioner for Mines and Energy, Rasaq Obe, that he would be his deputy if their plan to remove the governor from power succeeds. Furthermore, he has assured the current Chief of Staff, Gbenga Ale, that he would appoint him as Secretary to the State Government.

"Unfortunately, the duo of Rasaq Obe, Wale Akinlosotu (Commissioner for Culture and Tourism), are all vying to become Aiyedatiwa's deputy governor.

“Also, the Special Adviser on Gender, Olamide Falana has pledged loyalty to the deputy Governor as part of her scheming to be NDDC State Representative nominee. Falana is said to be using a member of the National Assembly from the Northern senatorial district to champion her aspiration.

"At present, all these individuals are aligned within the same camp, seeking for the governor to transfer power to the deputy. Their loyalty is questionable.

"The deputy governor met with the governor last week, during which the governor signed various files for him, including the Local Government salary. Why would the deputy governor remain silent in the face of negative reports about his boss in the media? We know he is behind them.

"In fact, he was urged to issue a statement refuting these fabricated stories, but he declined. It is truly disappointing to witness such behavior from someone who was handpicked by the governor and made deputy governor."

They should pull imo on him

Aketi has never been lucky with deputies.

From Agbo to this Unlucky guy

Thought there’s local gov autonomy so if gov no sign them no go pay local gov workers

Let him hand over to deputy if he is incapacitated. Governance must continue.

This person is lying an trying to blackmail the deputy we know what is going on Governor current can't perform we are in d state we know the real story d guy who was paid to type all dis will never make it in life as for aketi quick recovery