AUTOGRAPH BY NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG
If everything had gone the way he planned it, Acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa would have been one of the nine federal lawmakers representing his state in the 360-member House of Representatives. Perhaps, he would not have had any distinct colour that stands him out of the pack like the permanent green cap that sits on the head of the short-lived governor of Imo State, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, who was in the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2015.
Aiyedatiwa was schemed out of his original ambition by the powers that be in Ondo politics. This happened at a time when his Ilaje kinsman, Agboola Ajayi who was serving as Deputy Governor to Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo lost his principal’s trust. The relationship between Akeredolu and Ajayi had suffered irreparable damage. For some reason, the Ondo governor was not able to throw away his deputy like a discomforting piece of trash. Right under his nose, Agboola proved to be an immovable Iroko with deep-planted roots. He abandoned the All Progressives Congress that sponsored his joint ticket with Akeredolu, opting for the Zenith Labour Party to challenge and possibly deny his principal a second tenure.
This provided a foothold in the doorway for Aiyedatiwa. Having been once beaten, Akeredolu was not looking for a deputy who would promote himself confidently and forcefully.
Definitely, one of the qualities that recommended Aiyedatiwa to Akeredolu is that he is perceived as one who is ready to accept control and be submissive. However, this doesn’t subtract from the intelligence of the Pan Atlantic University and University of Liverpool-trained successful businessman and former Commissioner of the Niger Delta Development Commission.
But this was not a choice the Ondo governor was going to play with. He didn’t only comb through his background with painstaking examination, he must have sought assistance from the celestial. Perhaps, the reason he went for the one named ‘Lucky’ from the stack of resumes available to him.
Everybody can do with some luck! Therefore, going out on a joint ticket to an electoral contest with a guy named ‘Lucky’ counts for a lot. Aiyedatiwa was the amulet Akeredolu needed to secure his second term. He had consulted the heavens and the earth. He was sure. They went into the governorship campaign for Akeredolu’s second term together, won and were sworn into office in February 2021 for four-year tenure.
“Thus, without trying, Aiyedatiwa lived by his first name: Lucky! But his middle name Orimisan is also significant. Loosely translated, ‘Orimisan’ is Yoruba for ‘I have got a good head (I am fortunate)'”
Two years into their tenure, the dormant elements of Aiyedatiwa’s names began to play out. Aketi, as Akeredolu is popularly called, became ill. At first, it was a closely guarded secret. Then the news filtered into corridors at Government House, Alagbaka, Akure. It soon became widely discussed at beer parlours all over the 18 local government areas of Ondo State. Finally, Akeredolu caved in to pressures from different political quarters. He formally wrote to notify the State House of Assembly that he is on leave and that his deputy, Aiyedatiwa, should act as governor.
Thus, without trying, Aiyedatiwa lived by his first name: Lucky! But his middle name Orimisan is also significant. Loosely translated, ‘Orimisan’ is Yoruba for ‘I have got a good head (I am fortunate)’.
Wait for it, his last name is a freaky summation of the good turn he is witnessing right now. Just two years after coming into reckoning in his home state, the Ondo State acting governor has the world under his feet, which is what Aiyedatiwa literally means!
Here comes the tricky part. Now that he is extremely successful and admired by Ondo’s close to five million people, the 58-year-old politician has to learn the art of brinkmanship, albeit without making the worst mistake of all: Outshining the master! I will be surprised if Aiyedatiwa hasn’t read Robert Greene’s ‘The 48 Laws of Power.’ This is the first law: Never Outshine the Master.
Recently, Akeredolu celebrated his 67th birthday still indisposed. He, however, managed to send out an uplifting message. “Which of the favour of the Lord can I deny? Chapter 67. To God be the laud, honour and glory.!” It was something to cheer for those who thought the worst of him.
In the past two months that Akeredolu has been out of action, the Ondo world has truly become Aiyedatiwa’s. He has attended the National Economic Council meeting, presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, mingled with members of the Progressive Governors Forum, hosted the National Working Committee of the ruling All Progressives Congress and attended the Nigeria Governors Forum meeting, chaired by the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. Most importantly, he led the State Executive Council members in a prayer session for the Ondo State Governor, at Chapel of Grace, Government House. He must be seen to be praying for the governor’s quick recovery.
Although he is beginning to sound like a broken record, nonetheless, Aiyedatiwa has to keep singing, “No division in Akeredolu’s cabinet,” to everyone who cares to listen. There may be no way to know if Aiyedatiwa secretly nurses malicious joy. So far, he is putting up a good act, all I can say is, break a leg!
