Aiyedatiwa, Mimiko’s Political Romance Sparks Speculations, Suspicion In Ondo

The under-the-table relationship between the former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and the current governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has continued to be the subject of speculation among political observers both within and outside the state.

With the November 16, 2024 governorship election in the state inching closer, some members and leaders of the opposition party are expressing fears that the situation might weaken the party before the election.

Aiyedatiwa is said to be endeared to Mimiko, who is a PDP leader, following the former governor’s political advice and strategies he received during his impeachment saga last year which made him to survive the political onslaught against him.

This development is believed to be responsible for the recent appointment of core loyalists of the former governor by Aiyedatiwa.

It has also thrown members and supporters of APC in the state off balance.

According to a source, Aiyedatiwa and Mimiko have allegedly reached an agreement on picking his deputy from the central senatorial district preferably from Ondo town if Aiyedatiwa eventually wins the party ticket next month.

The source said, “Mimiko wants to use Aiyedatiwa to achieve his long-term goal of installing his loyalist as a governor of the state. The governor listens to advice and strategies being given to him by the former governor.

“Mimiko hoped Eyitayo Jegede would succeed him in 2016, but he failed. He supported Agboola Ajayi in 2020, but the former Deputy Governor also lost the election.

“The idea is that by the time Mimiko nominates a running mate from central Ondo, the said candidate will take over from Aiyedatiwa after he has completed his four years, knowing full well that the governor will only spend one term if he wins the November 16.

“Some aspirants and leaders especially in the APC have reservations that if Aiyedatiwa clinches the party’s ticket, he will spend only four years, thereby shortchanging the Southern senatorial district from spending eight years, being the tradition, although not automatic.”

However, the fear within the PDP camp in the state is that a weak and not too popular candidate may emerge as the party standard-bearer in order to make it easy for Aiyedatiwa to win the governorship election in November. This is because the opposition PDP is having internal challenges.

But, a close source to the governor, while reacting to the romance between the governor and Mimiko, said both have been friends for years and that there was nothing political about them seeing each other now.

“Well, if those in the PDP and APC are uncomfortable with the two long time friends, that’s their problem. But one thing I need to clarify is that there’s no political alliance between them. The opposition elements are just jittery.

“With or without Mimiko, Aiyedatiwa will win the ticket and also win the November governorship election by the special grace of God.”

He however charged the opposition PDP to put its house in order ahead of the election instead of wasting time on non issue.