Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo has said the unnecessary politicking among the State Executive Council (SEC) ahead of the state’s November 16 governorship election made him sack cabinet members.

Mr Aiyedatiwa said this during the swearing-in ceremony of Olayide Adelami, the new deputy governor of the state in Akure, the state capital. 

He explained that his decision, which was borne out of response to the agitation of the state’s people, was also to reinvigorate the present administration for proper governance.

“The decision was borne out of a genuine response to the yearnings and aspirations of the people as well as the need to rejuvenate and reinvigorate this administration for maximum delivery on our mandate. 

“We also needed to minimise unnecessary distractions usually associated with cabinet members and other appointees in an election year like we have in Ondo State. 

“This is the standard practice in sane climes. It is important for the government to be less encumbered by politicking and pave the way for interested individuals to pursue their aspirations while simultaneously guaranteeing continued enjoyment of good governance to our people in the Sunshine State,” Mr Aiyedatiwa said in his speech on Thursday.

Mr Aiyedatiwa dissolved the cabinet a month after the death of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who appointed the affected aides. 

The sacked cabinet members include the Secretary to the State Government, Oladunni Odu, and the Commissioner for Finance, Wale Akinterinwa, who is believed to be jostling for the governorship seat ahead of the November 16 exercise. 

Before the dissolution, the cabinet had been polarised following the feud between Mr Aiyedatiwa and Mr Akeredolu before the latter died in office. 

But speaking further at the event, Mr Aiyedatiwa hinted at his plans to return some of the sacked members of the State Executive Council (SEC) to the government. 

“Some of you (cabinet members) are coming back soon. Some people have served. Some are waiting, and some are still serving, and some of you are coming back,” he stated. 

The Gazette gathered that at least five former cabinet members would return to the government due to their loyalty to Mr Aiyedatiwa during the political crisis that rocked the state.