A group, the Ondo Masses Solidarity Movement, has accused Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of being behind the protest organised by members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Akure on Monday.

The PDP staged a protest to inquire about the whereabouts of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who has been absent from the state since his return from a medical vacation abroad.

Peoples Gazette had previously reported on how the protest was almost halted by heavily armed security agencies who had laid siege to the party’s secretariat on Alagbaka Road in Akure.

The protesters, mainly comprising the youth wing of the PDP, expressed their concern that Mr Akeredolu’s prolonged absence in the state was hindering progress and developmental projects. They also demanded that the governor “resume or resign” within the next three days and cease governing the state by proxy.

In a statement, the group alleged that Mr Aiyedatiwa, who is currently facing an impeachment plot by the state house of assembly legislators, was using PDP members to incite a crisis in the state.

Jeremiah Ogunyemi, the coordinator of the group, specifically claimed that the state’s deputy governor had been reaching out to opposition parties and the youths to incite street protests against his boss, Mr Akeredolu.

“We have it on good authority that the deputy governor, Aiyedatiwa, instigated the protest and had already sponsored some youths to join it. A meeting was held at a hotel in Alagbaka, Akure last night, during which money was distributed among the youths.

“As stakeholders in this state and voices of the masses, we strongly condemn the activities of the embattled deputy governor. We are astonished by the actions of the deputy governor and his determination to set the state on fire,” Mr Ogunyemi alleged in the statement obtained by The Gazette on Monday night.

The group commended all the security agencies for promptly intervening to prevent the protest from escalating beyond the opposition party secretariat, noting that today’s protest could have led to the wanton destruction of lives and properties.

They revealed that part of the protesters’ plans allegedly included setting a petrol-filled lorry on fire in the state capital and potentially burning down the state house of assembly, but this was thwarted by the deployed security agencies.

“We call on well-meaning Nigerians and the people of the state to warn the deputy governor to desist from these attempts to destabilise our dear state. We should learn from history and guard against any actions that could jeopardise our state’s security.

“Where were these people when the masses needed a voice? Where were they when we faced insecurity and felt helpless even in our own homes? Where were they when Governor Rotimi Akeredolu was confronting the federal government and speaking for the people of Southwest and Southern Nigeria?

“We are convinced that this induced protest is not in the interest of the masses. We will not stand idly by and allow a group of people who were motivated by a small sum of money to disrupt the relative peace in the state,” the group alleged.

All attempts by The Gazette to reach Mr Aiyedatiwa for a response proved unsuccessful, as his phone lines were not connecting.

However, a source close to him denied the allegation, stating that the deputy governor would not have sponsored a protest against his boss.

“No matter what challenges the deputy governor may be facing, even in the hands of those in government and those close to the governor, he would not have sponsored such a protest.

“The Aiyedatiwa I know is far too busy and occupied to organise a protest against his boss. Therefore, it is a baseless fabrication aimed at maligning the deputy governor,” said the source, who wished to remain anonymous.