Political leaders in the All Progressives Congress (APC), under the Ondo Mandate Elders Forum, met in Akure on Wednesday. Their goal was to ease rising political tension between Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Minister of Interior, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The elders stressed the need for reconciliation. They warned that rivalry between the two leaders could destabilize the APC in Ondo State ahead of future elections.
Elders Call for Peace and Unity
The meeting took place at the Akure residence of Chief Erastus Akeju, former Commissioner for Works and chairman of the Forum. It marked the Forum’s first major intervention since its formation.
Convener Chief Ademola Ijabiyi said the elders could no longer remain silent while political rifts threatened party unity.
“We cannot allow this to escalate into a crisis. Governor Aiyedatiwa is our governor, and Bunmi Tunji-Ojo is our son. Both are leaders of this state. We will call them for dialogue and insist on peace,” Ijabiyi declared.
He explained that the Forum was created to stabilize the political space during tense moments.
“This is the first time elders in Ondo are uniting under one platform. Our duty is to intervene, calm nerves, and maintain unity. That is true leadership,” he added.
Forum Reaffirms Support for Tinubu
Beyond resolving disputes, Ijabiyi emphasized that the Forum also aims to boost support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“Ondo is Tinubu’s base. With nearly two million registered voters, we should not settle for percentages. We must deliver real numbers. Our elders are political influencers, and we are ready to mobilize that strength,” he said.
The Forum pledged to involve youths in its mission and vowed to resist any attempt to destabilize the state.
Political observers believe the intervention could ease tension within the APC, where control of party structures often fuels rivalry. Elders say unity between Aiyedatiwa and Tunji-Ojo is vital, not only for peace but also for the party’s electoral success.
Attendees included Chief Erastus Akeju, Hon. Demola Ijabiyi, Hon. Justice Sehinde Kumuyi (rtd.), Bode Sunmonu, Princess Oladunni Odu, Pastor Femi Agagu, Chief Bailey Arohunmolase, and Hon. Ebenezer Alabi.
Others were Chief Korede Duyile, Chief Femi Bakare, Senator Yele Omogunwa, Chief Olabisi Johnson, Princess Bukky Abike Oluderu, Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin, Hon. Samuel Aderoboye, and Hon. Nimbe Tawose, among others.
