••• Your statement is reckless, an affront to constituted authority – Group fumes
By Roving Reporters
A fresh political storm is brewing in Ondo State following explosive claims by Hon. Fatai Atere, a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, who alleged that Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (BTO), was instrumental in saving Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa from impeachment and paving his way to the governorship seat.
In a seven-minute video and accompanying statement released on Monday, Atere maintained that BTO was central to the resolution of the political crisis that rocked Ondo State during the impeachment move against then Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa.
“When there was a political crisis in Ondo State, it was God and BTO that waded in and solved the whole matter,” Atere said.
“I can say this before the Governor himself. Those running around him today were the same people who lambasted us then.”
According to Atere, the impeachment plot against Aiyedatiwa would have succeeded but for the intervention of Tunji-Ojo, who, despite being outside the country at the time, allegedly insisted that lawmakers should not impeach Aiyedatiwa without evidence of corruption.
“When we were asked to impeach the Deputy Governor, now the Governor, I personally signed against my conscience. BTO was in Paris then, and when he saw my signature on the list, he called me and warned against it,” Atere revealed.
“At the plenary the next day, I stood up and withdrew my support for the impeachment. My action encouraged others who were troubled by their conscience. That was how the move failed. Nine of us rejected it because BTO said there was no evidence of corruption against him.”
The lawmaker, who represents Akoko North-West Constituency 1, further stated that BTO not only helped Aiyedatiwa survive the impeachment but also supported him through the party primary and general election.
“BTO stood solidly behind Aiyedatiwa during the primary and the governorship election. So how can the Governor now say he is fighting BTO? It’s not possible,” Atere stressed.
“If truly Governor Aiyedatiwa is not sincere about his relationship with BTO, then may God judge us all. But those jostling for appointments are the ones causing problems.”
He added that he was ready to face any consequence for speaking the truth.
“If the Governor likes, he can take my Assembly position. It was BTO who asked me to support Aiyedatiwa. How will he now ask me not to support BTO?”
Asiwaju Media Team Fires Back: “Atere’s Comment Reckless, An Affront to Authority”
In a swift and strongly worded response, the Asiwaju Media Team, Ondo State, condemned Atere’s remarks, describing them as “reckless, unfounded, and a direct affront to the constituted authority of Ondo State.”
The group, in a statement issued late Monday, said it was “unconstitutional and morally irresponsible” for a sitting lawmaker to issue a statement capable of undermining the authority of the Governor.
“Hon. Fatai Atere’s statement represents political recklessness and poor judgment,” the statement read. “Governor Aiyedatiwa remains the Chief Executive Officer of Ondo State by constitutional mandate, not by anyone’s favour.”
The media team emphasized that Aiyedatiwa had never ordered anyone to fight his political allies, describing him as a “peace-loving and inclusive leader whose governance has united the state.”
“It is unreasonable and politically childish for anyone to suggest they made Aiyedatiwa Governor. Power comes from God and the people, not from any individual,” the team stated.
They also issued a 24-hour ultimatum for Atere to withdraw his statement, threatening that civic groups could “take constitutional steps” if he failed to do so.
“The Office of the Governor embodies the collective will of the people. Any unguided statement directed at it is an insult to the people of Ondo State,” the statement concluded.
Background Context
Aiyedatiwa, who emerged Governor following the passing of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, has faced persistent speculation about strained relations with his political ally, Dr. Tunji-Ojo.
Monday’s exchange between Atere and the Asiwaju Media Team now appears to have reignited those rumours — stirring heated debate across the state’s political landscape.
