Why Ondo’s Two Political Power Centres Must Find Common Ground for Tinubu’s 2027 Project
Both Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, owe their current political standing to the same man, which makes their present friction in Ondo something closer
In Ondo State, two key political figures, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, owe their positions to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This has led to tension between them, resembling a family dispute rather than a typical rivalry. Aiyedatiwa's position as governor survived an impeachment attempt by the Ondo Assembly, thanks to Tinubu's intervention.
Tunji-Ojo, on the other hand, gained prominence through his appointment as Interior Minister. Both men have built their political careers on Tinubu's decisions, but it seems they have not developed a unified strategy. Aiyedatiwa focuses on building Ondo for Tinubu's projected 2027, while Tunji-Ojo funds separate groups, including the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu, using federal resources and independent networks.
Ondo APC chairman Babatunde Kolawole has tried to downplay the dispute, describing the two as brothers working towards the same goal. However, cooperation between them could be beneficial, as Aiyedatiwa controls the party structure and government machinery, while Tunji-Ojo has access to grassroots networks that can reach voters not always captured by party channels.
The success of this collaboration will depend more on the willingness of the men involved to let each other operate independently rather than on their words.
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