My attention has been drawn by friends and associates to a media report where it was alleged that prominent leaders including Serving and Ex Ministers (me in particular) are putting pressure on the Governor of Ondo state, seeking to influence the list of would-be Cabinet members.
First, it is NOT true that I have either personally or through some other persons tried to influence the Cabinet list.
Secondly, I have never enjoyed such privilege from Gov Aiyedatiwa since he became Acting Governor and subsequently was sworn in on the 27th December 2023 as Governor of Ondo state, and I hold no grudges against the Governor for that.
I recall that when the LCDAs were created and officials were being nominated to man the LCDAs, my nominee who had earlier been named Chairman of Oyemekun LCDA by Governor Akeredolu was subsequently downgraded to Vice Chairman by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa even after the Governor gave me his words to maintain my nominee as Chairman of the LCDA.
Yet, I did not hold it against His Excellency, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, because having become my Governor and Party Leader, I owe it a duty to support him, pray for him and be at peace with him.
Even when the Governor appointed over 300 SAs in the build up to the Governorship election in November 2024, and party leaders were given slots by the Governor, I was not lucky to get such an opportunity, so it will amount to self deceit for me who could not nominate SAs to try to nominate Commissioners.
Besides, the news report also said some people who served under our late leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu are lobbying yet again to serve in the proposed new Cabinet. I find that quite absurd
Ondo state has thousands of competent people who if called upon to serve will do well and as such we must offer such people the opportunity to contribute to the development of the state
Our party and government must be one of equal opportunities for all.
Most importantly, may I use this opportunity to call on leaders of our party to allow the Governor choose the best hands possible without pressure and interference. The buck stops at his table and if (God forbid), anything goes wrong , it is Lucky Aiyedatiwa that will answer for it.
As much as possible, he must be allowed to do that which he can defend and appoint people he knows and have confidence in to join him in piloting the affairs of our State
Sir Prince Ademola Adegoroye.
Signed
