I have carefully read the comprehensive response issued by the Director General of the Opomulero Group, Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael (DG Opomulero), regarding the comments credited to Pa Ademola Ijabiyi. After a thorough assessment of the issues raised, I make bold to say that every point canvassed by DG Opomulero reflects political maturity, truth, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and stability of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State.
His statement is not merely a defence of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa; it is a timely reminder that political actors must stop creating unnecessary controversies capable of weakening the party at a time when unity should be our greatest priority.
I completely agree with DG Opomulero that there is a dangerous trend where some individuals deliberately manufacture crises through media campaigns instead of embracing the internal mechanisms provided by the APC for resolving disagreements. A responsible political family does not wash every disagreement in the public arena. Internal issues should be addressed through consultation, dialogue, and respect for party institutions rather than through inflammatory public statements designed to generate headlines and deepen suspicion among party members.
DG Opomulero was also right to commend Mr. Obadofin Ademola for choosing the path of decency and civility. Politics should never be reduced to bitterness or personal attacks. Democracy flourishes when disagreements are expressed respectfully, with facts, and with genuine concern for the collective interest. That is the kind of political culture Ondo State deserves.
I equally agree with his observation regarding the sacred role of elders in Yoruba society. Our culture places enormous responsibility on elders to preserve peace, mediate conflicts, and unite families whenever disagreements arise. Elders are expected to calm tensions, not inflame them. Their words carry enormous influence, and such influence should be deployed to strengthen unity rather than widen divisions within the APC.
DG Opomulero was absolutely correct in reminding the public that Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa remains focused on governance instead of political distractions. The Governor has continued to demonstrate leadership through investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, security, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment, and economic development. These are measurable achievements that directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens. Unfortunately, some critics appear more interested in political drama than in acknowledging the developmental strides already being recorded across Ondo State.
I also fully support DG Opomulero’s position that reconciliation within the APC is a shared responsibility and cannot reasonably be placed on the shoulders of one individual. Political parties are collective institutions with structures at ward, local government, state, zonal, and national levels. It is therefore unfair, misleading, and politically dishonest to create the impression that every disagreement within the APC must automatically be blamed on Governor Aiyedatiwa.
The Governor has consistently demonstrated an open-door leadership style by welcoming dialogue, consultation, and engagement with party members. Those who genuinely desire reconciliation should embrace constructive engagement rather than media campaigns that only provide ammunition to political opponents.
DG Opomulero also raised an important concern about the increasing politicisation of the Ondo political space through premature succession campaigns. I completely share his concern. Governor Aiyedatiwa has barely settled into office after receiving a clear mandate from the people of Ondo State. At a time when every stakeholder should be supporting the Governor to consolidate development, some individuals are already promoting unnecessary conversations about future governorship ambitions.
This unhealthy obsession with succession politics is capable of distracting governance, creating avoidable tension within the APC, and slowing the pace of development. Public office holders should remain focused on the constitutional responsibilities entrusted to them by Nigerians rather than allowing their names to dominate early political permutations capable of overheating the state’s political environment.
DG Opomulero equally deserves commendation for reminding everyone that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political relationship with Ondo State did not begin with today’s political actors. The progressive movement in Ondo State was built through decades of sacrifice, commitment, and dedication by numerous respected leaders who invested their time, energy, and resources in sustaining progressive politics.
No single individual can therefore claim exclusive ownership of the APC, its structures, or President Tinubu’s political network in Ondo State. The party belongs to all loyal members who have contributed to its growth over the years, and everyone deserves equal respect within the progressive family.
I also agree wholeheartedly with DG Opomulero that Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, as the recognised leader of the APC in Ondo State, possesses both the constitutional responsibility and political capacity to mobilise massive support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. The Governor has repeatedly demonstrated loyalty to the party and commitment to strengthening the APC across the state.
His appeal to elders to promote dialogue rather than media confrontation is equally timely. Mature democracies thrive when respected leaders encourage reconciliation, compromise, and peaceful engagement. The APC Constitution already provides recognised channels for resolving grievances. Genuine democrats should utilise these constitutional mechanisms instead of litigating political disagreements in newspapers and on social media.
Finally, I completely endorse DG Opomulero’s conclusion that history will ultimately celebrate those who promote unity, defend party cohesion, and place public interest above personal ambition. Ondo State cannot afford endless political distractions when the people expect accelerated development, improved security, quality healthcare, better infrastructure, youth employment, and economic prosperity.
This is the moment for every genuine progressive to close ranks behind Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, support his administration, strengthen the APC, and collectively work towards ensuring continued peace, stability, and sustainable development in Ondo State.
Signed:
Tope Liberty Care
Political Commentator and Public Affairs Analyst
