The Ondo State Government on Monday dismissed claims that Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is engaging in anti-party activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the allegation as false, misleading and a calculated attempt to stir unnecessary controversy.
The clarification followed the circulation of a photograph showing the governor with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Central Senatorial candidate, Ayo Akinyelure, at the Government House Chapel in Akure on Sunday.
Critics had alleged that the meeting signaled disloyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the government said such insinuations were baseless, stressing that the Government House Chapel is a public place of worship open to all citizens regardless of political affiliation.
According to the statement, Akinyelure attended the service not for political reasons but to worship and express gratitude to the governor for sending representatives and goodwill messages during his recent 70th birthday celebration.
The government described the visit as a routine act of courtesy that transcends partisan considerations
The statement further noted that the ADC candidate shares familial ties with prominent APC figure, Pius Akinyelure, who is also an ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
It added that such relationships should not be misconstrued as political realignment.
Reaffirming the governor’s loyalty, the government stated that Aiyedatiwa remains fully committed to the APC and its candidates, and will continue to work with party structures to secure victory in future elections across Ondo State.
The government urged party faithful and the general public to disregard what it described as the antics of mischief-makers seeking to create division within the APC, insisting that the administration remains focused on governance and the consolidation of democratic gains.
It concluded that the governor would not be distracted by unfounded allegations, reiterating that Ondo State remains on a steady path of progress under his leadership.