Defending the Mandate: Why Governor Aiyedatiwa Is Facing Political Backlash in Ondo State

 

The political atmosphere in Ondo State has reached a fever pitch following a wave of high-profile departures from the state cabinet. On Saturday, February 28, 2026, a prominent public affairs analyst and activist, Comrade Oluwatobi Akinrinlola, stepped forward to address the growing narrative surrounding the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. In a viral defense of the Governor, Akinrinlola dismissed the trending label of Aiyedatiwa as the "most useless governor in Nigeria," describing the mass resignations as a calculated political move by the opposition rather than a failure of governance.

​The controversy erupted after several commissioners and special advisers tendered their resignations within a 48-hour window, citing "personal reasons" and "divergent political leanings." However, supporters of the Governor argue that these exits are merely the "weeding out" of disloyal elements as the state prepares for the next electoral cycle.

​The "Mass Resignation" Saga: Political Strategy or Leadership Crisis?

​In any democratic setting, a mass resignation of cabinet members usually signals internal turmoil. In Ondo State, the timing of these resignations—coming just months before the primary elections—suggests a strategic realignment.

​Oluwatobi Akinrinlola, in his detailed analysis, pointed out that many of those resigning were holdovers from the previous administration or individuals whose personal ambitions clashed with the Governor’s current developmental roadmap. He argued that calling the Governor "useless" based on internal party politics is a disservice to the tangible progress made in the state over the last year.

​"Governor Aiyedatiwa is not the most useless governor in Nigeria; in fact, he is one of the most focused," Akinrinlola stated. "What we are seeing is a natural filtration process. You cannot lead a state effectively with people whose hearts are already with the opposition. Their resignation is actually a gift to the people of Ondo, as it allows for fresh, loyal blood to enter the system."

​Assessing Aiyedatiwa’s Performance: Beyond the Noise

​To understand why the "useless" tag is being contested, one must look at the administrative milestones achieved by the Aiyedatiwa government since he took the reins of power.

​1. Civil Service Welfare and Salary Arrears

​One of the hallmarks of the Aiyedatiwa administration has been the consistent payment of workers' salaries. Upon taking office, the Governor prioritized the clearance of several months of inherited salary arrears, a move that earned him significant praise from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Ondo State.

​2. Infrastructure Development (The "Sunshine" Projects)

​Despite the political distractions, road construction and urban renewal projects have continued across the three senatorial districts. From the dualization of township roads in Akure to the rehabilitation of rural feeder roads in the southern district, the administration has maintained a steady pace of physical development.

​3. Education and Healthcare Initiatives

​The Governor recently approved the recruitment of thousands of teachers to fill vacancies in public primary and secondary schools. Additionally, the "Aiyedatiwa Health Outreach" has provided free medical services to thousands of indigent residents, focusing on maternal health and elderly care.

​The Role of the Opposition: Framing the Narrative

​Political analysts suggest that the "most useless governor" narrative is a carefully crafted SEO and social media campaign spearheaded by the All Progressives Congress (APC) internal rivals and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). By amplifying the resignations, the opposition hopes to create a sense of instability that could sway undecided voters.

​Akinrinlola cautioned the public against falling for "propaganda masquerading as news." He emphasized that the Governor’s "lucky" name has often been used against him by critics who claim he only ascended to power through circumstance rather than merit, ignoring his years of experience as a Deputy Governor and a businessman.

​The Way Forward for Ondo State

​As the Governor prepares to reconstitute his cabinet, the focus is now on meritocracy. The mass resignation provides Aiyedatiwa with a unique opportunity to bring in technocrats and loyalists who share his vision for a "New Ondo."

​The political "noise" is expected to intensify as 2027 approaches, but for now, the Governor seems determined to let his projects speak for him. The defense by figures like Akinrinlola highlights a growing segment of the population that values administrative stability over political theater.

​Conclusion: Loyalty vs. Competence

​The story of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is a classic example of the friction between governance and "realpolitik." While the mass resignation made for sensational headlines, the underlying reality is a Governor attempting to consolidate power while maintaining a focus on his developmental agenda. Whether he can fully shed the negative labels remains to be seen, but for his supporters, the current "crisis" is simply a stepping stone to a more unified administration.