Ancient sages recognise love, power, and money to make bedfellows of strangers and strangers of bedfellows. After allegedly falling out with each other over who will be Ondo state number one citizen in the future, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo are still observing social and political distancing.
Politics is not for the faint of heart. Curiously, this is a fact that resonates too well with Governor Akeredolu. There might be no other Governor at present who has buried many friendships as he continues to hold on to his gubernatorial seat. Thus, the rumours that he has added his close ally, Tunji-Ojo, the House of Reps member for Akoko North-East/Akoko North-West Federal Constituency, to the list is not altogether remarkable. If the stories are to be believed, Tunji-Ojo has his eyes on Akeredolu’s gubernatorial chair and will be vying for it come 2024/’25. But this is allegedly a possibility that Akeredolu is not interested in entertaining.
According to reports, Akeredolu has his reservations regarding Tunji-Ojo’s alleged gubernatorial ambition. These are based on two thoughts: that succeeding him as governor is still far-flung into the future, Tunji-Ojo is not the one for the job. Why Arakunrin Akeredolu finds Tunji-Ojo lacking concerning taking over Ondo State from him is still a thing of speculation. Not even the fact that they rode each other’s coattails in the past can get them to settle their differences over dinner. Thus, as more and more reports are emerging regarding their collapsing friendship and political alliance, folks are waiting to see where this new Ondo narrative will end up.
The best outcome, as analysts have presented, is to have all misunderstandings resolved. But, on the other hand, the worst outcome is to see both parties going their separate ways—to thy tent, everybody. After all, Akeredolu has his governorship, whereas Tunji-Ojo has his House of Reps Chairmanship of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
