SWDC board: Aiyedatiwa, Bamidele in cold war over Ondo nominee’s replacement

The alleged replacement of one of the nominees on the Board of the South West Development Commission (SWDC) from Ondo State is causing ripples between Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State and the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.

The development is said to have triggered a fierce political battle between Aiyedatiwa and Bamidele over the appointment of the SWDC board by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The two political leaders are reportedly engaged in a bitter supremacy feud, locking horns over the alleged replacement of one of the two candidates nominated by Aiyedatiwa on the SWDC board, who was substituted with another nominee by Bamidele.

Sources close to the governor disclosed that Aiyedatiwa is accusing the senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Bamidele, of replacing one of the two candidates he had nominated for the SWDC board, even though the substitute is also from Ondo State.

It will be recalled that President Tinubu approved the appointment of former Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi from Ekiti State as SWDC Chairman and Charles Akinola from Osun State as Managing Director.

Other members of the board include Bolaji Ariyo, Joseph Olugbenga, Scholastica Omoworare, Olumuyiwa Olabimtan, Adewinle Martins, Ibrahim Olaifa, Kabiru Lakwaya, Abdul Adamu, Arinola Fagbemi, Ukoha Onyekwere, Howell Ihenacho, Olugbenga Olufehinti, Tele Ogunjobi, Funmilayo Tejuosho (Lagos), Fatai Ibikunle (Oyo), and Lateef Ajijola (Ekiti).

It was gathered that Aiyedatiwa submitted the names of Adewinle and his former Commissioner for Energy, Rasak Obe, whom he chose as the SWDC Executive Director of Projects, but was shocked to find Obe’s name missing and replaced with Olufehinti.

This development provoked members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the governor’s camp in Ondo State, while the governor hurriedly left for Abuja on Monday morning to register his grievances over the removal of his candidate.

Some of Aiyedatiwa’s supporters interpreted the replacement of their candidate as disrespectful to the office of the state governor, while the lack of intervention from Ondo State senators further aggravated the crisis between Aiyedatiwa and Bamidele.

However, an APC chieftain based in Abuja stated that the three senators from Ondo State, who would have pushed for Aiyedatiwa’s nominees, are not aligned with him.

He attributed the strained relationship between the three senators and the governor to Aiyedatiwa’s camp seeking to replace Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire as the state’s representative.

The governor’s camp is reportedly pushing for Adegbonmire’s exit from the hallowed chamber, alongside the lawmaker representing Ondo West/East, Abiola Makinde, while Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South and a billionaire businessman, is also not an ally of the governor.

The Abuja-based politician remarked, “This is an insult to Governor Aiyedatiwa and the people of Ondo State.

“It is the governor’s exclusive right to nominate members from the state to this board, and Senator Bamidele has disrespected the office of the Ondo State Governor by removing his candidate from the list.

“Yes, the governor has relocated to Abuja, but he is only roaming about because the people who are his contacts here are the same ones behind the replacement of his candidate.

“You know Bamidele was one of his major backers during the APC governorship primary, despite huge opposition against him. They mobilised support to ensure he emerged as the party’s candidate.

“Now that the same people have allegedly facilitated the nomination of Olufehinti, what will he do?

“Unfortunately, the governor is also in conflict with the three senators from his state. If you recall, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim contested the primary election against him and even went to court to challenge the process that produced Aiyedatiwa as the candidate before the President intervened and appealed to Ibrahim to withdraw the case.

“So, who will fight for the governor when these members are screened by the Senate? The worst part is that he has planned to replace all the National Assembly members, and they are aware—so they are waiting for him.

“Before then, he should realise that there are many battles ahead of him if he is not careful.”*

Another APC member in the state suggested that Aiyedatiwa has not been fair to some party groups who opposed him during the primary election, particularly supporters of his late boss, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

He stated, “I think those who removed one of Aiyedatiwa’s candidates did so for fairness. You cannot continue punishing those who didn’t support you during the primary by sidelining them in the state while also expecting to take all Abuja appointments for your camp.”

When contacted, the media aide to Bamidele, Mr Gboyega Akinsanmi, declined to comment on the matter.

However, the APC Director of Media and Publicity in Ondo State, Steve Otaloro, dismissed the reports, stating that there was no conflict between the two political leaders. He described the recent speculation regarding an alleged supremacy battle between Aiyedatiwa and Bamidele as unfounded.

Otaloro remarked, “Those perpetuating these rumours are nothing more than enemies of our party and rabble-rousers seeking to create division and undermine the unity we have worked hard to foster.

“Both leaders are committed to the progress of our party and the development of Ondo and Ekiti states. It is essential to understand that discussions regarding nominees to President Bola Tinubu are part of the democratic process and do not reflect personal conflicts.

“The President has the ultimate authority to appoint individuals to positions, and our role is to support him in nominating those who have demonstrated loyalty and dedication to the party.

“While we acknowledge that some supporters of Governor Aiyedatiwa may feel that the replacement of a candidate is a sign of disrespect, we encourage everyone to recognise that political appointments are complex and involve multiple considerations.

“The governor’s office deserves respect, and we urge our supporters to focus on the bigger picture of party unity and collaboration rather than allowing emotions to dictate their responses.”*

Addressing reports of alleged differences between the Ondo State senators and Aiyedatiwa, Otaloro stated:

“It is important to clarify that the three senators from Ondo State are not indifferent to the relationship between Governor Aiyedatiwa and Senator Opeyemi.

“They are actively engaged in fostering collaboration and ensuring that the interests of Ondo State are prioritised. Any perceived indifference is a misinterpretation of their commitment to the party and the state.

“The claim that Governor Aiyedatiwa relocated to Abuja to complain is misleading. Like any other leader, the governor is entitled to meet with national leaders to discuss matters affecting our state and party. Such engagements are part of his responsibilities and should not be misconstrued as signs of discontent or conflict.

“We urge all APC members and the people of Ondo State to remain focused on our shared goals and reject divisive narratives.

“Together, we stand united under the leadership of Governor Aiyedatiwa and in support of President Bola Tinubu’s vision for our great nation. Let us work collectively for the progress and development of Ondo State.”

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