The Ondo State Coordinator of the Tinubu/Datiwa Half a Million Walk and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Sports, Hon. Kehinde Akinrotoye (Bonsue), has welcomed the former Deputy Governor of the state, His Excellency Hon. Alfred Agboola Ajayi, into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Akinrotoye, in statement personally signed described Ajayi’s defection to the ruling party as a significant boost to the progressive family in Ondo State, noting that the former Deputy Governor would add immense value to the success and growth of the party.

“The former Deputy Governor will, no doubt, contribute meaningfully to the continued success of the party,” he said.

The former OSOPADEC Commissioner also commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his leadership style, which he said has significantly swelled the ranks of the APC in Ondo State.

According to him, Governor Aiyedatiwa’s open-door leadership approach has continued to position the APC and the Ondo State Government as a home for all citizens and stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation.

“The Governor’s inclusive approach has strengthened unity, peace and confidence in governance across the state,” Akinrotoye added.

He further stated that Governor Aiyedatiwa has positively transformed the All Progressives Congress in all ramifications.

Akinrotoye, who also served as the former Coordinator of Rising Stars Football Club, called on party members and stakeholders to support the Governor’s ongoing efforts to make the APC a political fortress in the state.

He added that the rapid influx of political heavyweights into the party is a testament to Governor Aiyedatiwa’s quiet but effective leadership and outstanding performance, which have made the APC the cynosure of all eyes.

He noted that opposition parties in the state are steadily losing relevance as the APC continues to consolidate its hold ahead of future political engagements.

E- Signed

Hon. kehinde Akinrotoye (Bonsue)
Senior Special Assistant to Ondo State Governor on sports and State Coordinator of TINUBUDATIWA HALF A MILLION WALK in Ondo State
26-01 – 2026

Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has voiced strong disapproval over President Bola Tinubu’s recent list of ambassadorial nominees submitted to the Senate for confirmation.

Obi described the list as a confirmation of fears that the Tinubu administration is fostering mediocrity, corruption, and impunity in key public appointments.

In a post on X, Obi questioned the judgment behind some nominees, saying, “Yes, some of the names being paraded to represent us as ambassadors globally are shocking. But with a leadership that has allowed mediocrity, corruption, and impunity to rise to the top, who else did you expect them to choose?”

He condemned the government for prioritizing trivialities over urgent national issues: “When our people are being killed, our leaders are busy hosting dinners. When children are being snatched from their schools, the political class is celebrating and dancing. This is not governance. This is not leadership. And this is certainly not the Nigeria we deserve.”

Obi warned that such moral decay and national indifference cannot continue, stressing that a nation thrives when its leaders empathize with citizens, uphold competence, and ensure accountability—not when frivolity dominates public service.

He encouraged young Nigerians to remain hopeful and active, stating: “Do not lose hope. Do not become numb. Do not let this darkness demoralize your hearts. The New Nigeria we dream of—a just, secure, productive, and respected nation—is still possible. But it will not happen by accident. It will happen because people like you refuse to accept failure as our destiny.”

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The judgment delivered by the Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has been described as a “clear and resounding validation” of the people’s mandate given to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa in the 2024 governorship election.

Hon. Barr. Banji Okunomo, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and spokesperson for Governor Aiyedatiwa during the election, stated this while reacting to the tribunal’s ruling on Wednesday.

He said the verdict was not surprising, given the transparent and credible nature of the electoral process. “The victory was never in doubt. It simply reflects the overwhelming support Governor Aiyedatiwa enjoyed across the state,” he said.

Okunomo criticized the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, for filing what he described as a “fruitless” petition. “They sought a mandate that was never theirs. It’s time to stop wasting party resources and the court’s time,” he added.

Quoting Section 134(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, Okunomo noted that a petition can only succeed if the declared winner was unqualified, if the election was marred by corruption or irregularities, or if the winner did not receive the majority of lawful votes. “None of these grounds applied,” he said.

He recalled that Governor Aiyedatiwa achieved an unprecedented clean sweep of all 18 local government areas in the state, including the PDP candidate’s own ward, which he said signified broad-based acceptance.

“The tribunal rightly held that the court is not a Father Christmas. It delivers justice based on facts and the law, not sentiments or wishful thinking,” he added.

Okunomo commended the judiciary for its courage and consistency in upholding the rule of law. “This judgment strengthens our democracy and affirms the will of the electorate,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to the people of Ondo State. “As one who served as spokesperson to Governor Aiyedatiwa, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency and thank our people for their trust and support.”

“Ondo State has spoken. Justice has prevailed. Democracy has triumphed.”

Prince Emorioloye Owolemi, a community leader and political analyst in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area, has congratulated Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on the occasion of his 100 days in office.

In a personally signed statement, he described Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership as a testament to his vision and commitment to purposeful governance.

“As we commemorate the 100-day milestone of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s administration, it is imperative to acknowledge the strategic decisions and impactful initiatives that have set Ondo State on a path of sustainable development.”

One of the most commendable decisions was the deliberate delay in constituting a full cabinet. This choice was not born out of indecision but a calculated move to conserve resources and redirect funds towards critical sectors that directly affect the lives of our citizens.

The cost of maintaining a full cabinet — salaries, allowances, logistics — could have easily drained funds needed for development. Instead, Governor Aiyedatiwa chose to channel those resources where they were needed most: into the lives of the people.

Infrastructure Development:

Road Rehabilitation: The administration has initiated the construction and rehabilitation of over 60 kilometers of roads across the state, including the Oda Road dualization, Ijoka Road, and the Irese/Shagari Flyover in Akure. 

Rural Connectivity: In a bid to boost agricultural activities and ease the transportation of farm produce, rural roads in Oda-Cocoa Board-Langbodo (Akure South), Ode-Omi-Ebute Iyara (Irele LGA), and Ifira Akoko-Afo (Akoko South East) are under construction. 

Education Advancement:

Teacher Recruitment: The government has approved the recruitment of 2,000 teachers to address the shortage in public schools. 

WAEC Fees Payment: To alleviate the financial burden on parents, N550 million has been released for the payment of 2024 WAEC fees for students in public secondary schools. 

Infrastructure in Tertiary Institutions: N1 billion has been approved for the construction of a new Senate Building at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, and N1.2 billion for the completion of abandoned projects at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa. 

Healthcare Improvements:

Primary Healthcare: The administration has recruited health workers for primary healthcare centers across all 203 wards in the state. 

Healthcare Schemes: The launch of the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) ensures affordable healthcare access for residents. 

Economic Empowerment:

Support for Artisans and Traders: Soft loans totaling N220 million have been disbursed to artisans and MSMEs to stimulate economic activities. 

Entrepreneurship Promotion: The state hosted the Global Entrepreneurship Festival, attracting over 25,000 participants, positioning Ondo as a hub for innovation and business growth. 

Social Welfare:

Wage Awards: Public servants receive a monthly N35,000 wage award, while pensioners get N10,000, cushioning the effects of economic hardship. 

Gratuity Payments: Over N1.5 billion has been disbursed for the payment of gratuities in the last three months. 

Security Enhancements:

Support for Security Agencies: The government has provided 25 Toyota Hilux vehicles to security agencies, bolstering their operational capacity. 

Environmental Initiatives:

Cleanliness Drive: The “Operation Keep Ondo Clean” initiative has significantly improved waste management in the state, restoring Akure’s status as one of Nigeria’s cleanest capitals. 

These achievements underscore Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to prudent resource management and people-centric governance. By prioritizing essential projects over political appointments, he has laid a solid foundation for sustainable development.

As we look forward to the future, it is evident that Ondo State is in capable hands, steering towards a trajectory of growth and prosperity.”

– Prince Emorioloye Owolemi
Community Leader & Political Analyst
31/05/2025

A political analyst, Mr. Gbenga Ajisafe, has said that while multi-party systems offer broad representation, they can also hinder the smooth functioning of government due to coalition politics and policy delays. He, however, emphasized that a one-party system would be unsuitable for a diverse and democratic nation like Nigeria.

Speaking during an exclusive interview  with our correspondent, Ajisafe noted that one-party systems, though potentially more stable and efficient in decision-making, often breed dictatorship, restrict democratic freedoms, and increase the risk of corruption.

“One-party systems can deliver fast decisions without power struggles,” he said. “But they often lack checks and balances, suppress opposition, and fail to reflect the diversity of the people’s aspirations.”

Ajisafe cited examples of one-party states such as China, North Korea, Vietnam, Cuba, and Eritrea, where a single political party dominates governance, often with little or no room for opposition voices. While such systems may offer political stability, they tend to undermine democratic values.

He explained that a multi-party system, common in many democracies, allows multiple political parties to contest elections and share power, often forming coalition governments. This system, he noted, promotes inclusiveness and better represents a wide range of public interests.

However, he acknowledged that multi-party systems also come with challenges. “Coalition governments may lead to political instability and slow down policy implementation due to constant negotiations between parties,” Ajisafe said. “It can also confuse voters and increase the cost of governance.”

Despite these drawbacks, Ajisafe firmly stated that Nigeria’s unique socio-political structure makes a one-party system unworkable.

“A one-party system in Nigeria would lead to power domination by a particular ethnic or religious group, creating marginalization and deepening existing divides,” he warned. “Given our diversity, such a system could easily evolve into an oligarchy, where a select few determine the fate of millions.”

He argued that Nigeria’s political culture is not mature enough to support a one-party system, as politics in the country is still largely influenced by ethnicity, religion, wealth, and political godfatherism rather than ideology or policy competence.

“Nigeria is probably one of the few countries in the world with a multiplicity of political parties, and an almost infinite number of party cross-carpeters! Not only do people decamp from party to party at any time and for the flimsiest reasons, but the parties themselves are often merged, renamed, or simply fade away.”

“People decamp at the slightest sign of trouble or dispute, reinforcing the common saying that in politics, ‘there are no permanent enemies or friends, only permanent interests!’ This phenomenon is perhaps more pronounced in Nigeria than anywhere else.”

Given this history of ideological inconsistency, he argued, a one-party system in Nigeria becomes virtually impossible. “This is not unique to Nigeria alone, but common across much of Africa,” he added.

Ajisafe noted that the closest Nigeria came to a one-party state was in the early 1990s, during the era of the two-party structure, SDP and NRC. “With the way Nigeria has become fragmented along religious and ethnic lines, the fewest number of viable parties we can realistically have would be three, one for each region: North, West, and East.”

“In the U.S., voters align with parties based on ideology and candidate capability. In Nigeria, loyalty is driven by tribe, religion, and personal gain. Such a political culture cannot support a healthy one-party system,” he explained.

Ajisafe concluded by asserting that democracy thrives on choice, and a one-party system contradicts the very essence of democratic governance. “Democracy is about providing people with options. A one-party system denies them that. Therefore, it cannot prevail in Nigeria.”

Member representing Okitipupa Constituency II in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, has expressed deep appreciation to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering commitment to educational development across the state, particularly in Okitipupa Local Government Area.

Hon. Gbegudu lauded the Governor following the recent approval for the renovation of the female hostel at Unity Secondary School, Ode-Aye, and the construction of four classroom blocks at Ikoya Grammar School. He described the projects as a testament to the Governor’s dedication to improving educational infrastructure in line with his “Our Ease” (Odirorun) development agenda.

“I wish to express my profound gratitude to His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for prioritizing educational infrastructure across Ondo State, particularly in Okitipupa Local Government,” Gbegudu stated.

The lawmaker commended the Governor for living up to his campaign promises and urged for continued infrastructural and developmental projects in the area. He emphasized the importance of sustained investment in education for the overall growth of the constituency.

“While I appreciate Mr. Governor for these educational investments, I look forward in anticipation of further infrastructural and developmental projects in our constituency and across Okitipupa Local Government Area in no time,” he added.

Prince Lawson Akintokun, Special Adviser to the Governor of Ondo State on Electoral Matters, has described the passing of Prince Bayo Omotoye, a political general, as a devastating loss that will take a long time to recover from.

This was contained in a statement personally signed by him and made available to our correspondent.

He noted that the Ilaje Nation, and indeed Ondo State at large, has suffered a profound loss that will be difficult to overcome. Ondo State, particularly its political sphere, has lost an illustrious and enigmatic leader, a truly kind soul.

The full text reads:

How do I begin, and what more can be said? So many have spoken and written extensively about this political icon, yet I must express my heartfelt lamentation at the painful departure of a dogged, indefatigable, and relentless advocate of human rights, a generous and quintessential humanist who dedicated his adult life to the service of humanity.

It is an understatement to say that the Ilaje Nation and Ondo State at large have suffered a devastating loss. The political landscape has lost a remarkable leader whose impact will be felt for years to come.

Despite his relatively short but fulfilled political life, he remained an epitome of humility, never looking down on anyone. He was always eager to help others in their time of need, offering moral, social, and psychological support.

Uncle Marshall’s heart was driven by empathy and uncommon compassion for his fellow man.

In July 2019, he invited me to the 1759 Political Temple in Alagbaka, Akure, and whispered in my ear, “I want you to assist me in lobbying your friend, the Chairman of our Oil Commission, to support two Nigerian Law School aspirants. They are from the mandate area.” I looked up and said, “Oga, talk to him yourself.” He replied, “If I approach him, he will not do it because of our political differences. But you are sufficiently close to him.” I immediately took action, and his request was granted for the candidates.

Uncle Marshall was a sui generis politician who carved a niche for himself in the political landscape of Ondo State and Nigeria at large. The shoes he left behind will be too big for upcoming politicians to fill.

Adieu, Olori-Ebi! Adieu, Omo’ba Olugbo leghe oghone, Oma Ojogo Agadi! You will be forever missed.

Writes from Akure, Ondo State