The feud between Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, and his deputy, Lucky Ayedatiwa, may take another dimension this week as loyalists to the two political leaders are planning to embark on massive protests in Akure, the state capital, this week.
These plans were being hatched by the two groups supporting the two leaders, while they took to various social media platforms to announce the protest over the weekend by individuals believed to be loyal to the deputy governor.
One of the groups loyal to the deputy governor has threatened that the planned protest will be the mother of all protests in the state and will be worse than the EndSARS protest in the state.
The supporters of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu were said to be warming up to thwart the protest and have also announced their plans to counter the protests against Akeredolu.
Aiyedatiwa’s supporters are demanding that Akeredolu resign from office while his deputy is sworn in as substantive governor.
Prominent among those pushing for a protest is a former member of the House of Representatives, Kolade Akinjo, who has expressed his desire to lead the protest.
Akinjo said the protest will be used to send a strong message and signal to Akeredolu, urging him to return to his seat or relinquish power to his deputy.
Akinjo stated in his social media post: “All the progressives must be ready to join a full-day protest in Akure devoid of party colouration.
“A huge protest will send a message to all these democratic hawks and fools holding the constitution to ransom.
“Ondo State is bleeding, and everything is happening to the state now. Corruption is at its peak, and we don’t know who is in the saddle.
“Let us go there. I am ready to lead. Eight years of legislative experience is not a joke. Dino said, You die once. I am tired of the rubbish happening in Ondo State.”
It was gathered that the protest is being put together following the recent decision of Justice Emeka Nwete of the Abuja High Court to hand off Aiyedatiwa’s case since it was already before the appellate court.
This has heightened tension in the camp of the Ayedatiwa over the possible outcome of the appeal court case, which might favour them.
This specifically led to the planned protests due to uncertainty surrounding the fate of the deputy governor at the appellate court.
However, the police in the state said the command is unaware of any planned protest by the two groups.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Funmi Odunlami, said the command is not aware of the plans by some supporters to stage protests with the intention of bringing the state to a standstill.
Meanwhile, the Ondo Congress for Progressives Front (OCPF) has called on both Aiyedatiwa and Akeredolu supporters to sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign in the state.
The group, in a statement by its coordinator, Olayemi Oyekanmi, expressed concerns about the adverse effects the planned protests would have on the peace and security of the state.
“We have discovered plans by both Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa supporters to stage a massive protest in Akure, the state capital.
“As much as we recognise protest as a legitimate right of citizens, we are concerned about the security threat it poses to the state.
“We are calling on the security agencies to swing into action and prevent these planned protests from happening. It is in the interest of the peace and security of the state.
“These concerned individuals should be brought to a round table and have meaningful discussions on their agitations. A clash of protests does not serve the interests of peace. We must avoid it.”
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