The Ondo State Government has forcefully refuted claims that Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is engaging in anti-party activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the allegations as a deliberate and mischievous attempt to create unnecessary division within the Ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The clarification followed social media reports and political commentary sparked by a viral photograph of Governor Aiyedatiwa alongside Sen. Ayo Akinyelure, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Central Senatorial candidate, taken at the Government House Chapel on Sunday.
Government House Chapel Open to All Citizens
Responding to the speculation in an official press statement issued on Monday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, clarified that the chapel inside the seat of power is a public worship space, not an exclusive political enclave.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this narrative is false, misleading, and a clear attempt to manufacture controversy where none exists,” Adeniyan stated. “The Government House Chapel is a public place of worship. Just like the Mosque within the Government House premises, the Chapel is open to all citizens, religious leaders, and public officials who wish to worship. It is not an APC-only facility.”
Adeniyan emphasized that attempting to restrict access to government places of worship reflects a basic misunderstanding of the Governor’s mandate to serve as the leader for all residents of Ondo State, regardless of political affiliation.
Courtesies Across Political Lines
Addressing the specific context of the visit, the chief press secretary explained that Senator Akinyelure attended the service to express personal gratitude to the governor following his 70th birthday celebration the previous week.
According to the statement, Governor Aiyedatiwa had earlier sent an official delegation and a goodwill message to honor the elder statesman, making Akinyelure’s presence a standard act of courtesy and decorum that transcends party boundaries. Furthermore, the statement highlighted deep family ties connecting the politician to the ruling party, noting that Akinyelure is a younger brother to Chief Pius Akinyelure, a prominent APC leader, close ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council in Ondo State.
Unwavering Commitment to APC Candidates in 2027
Reassuring party faithful and the public of the governor’s unwavering political alignment, Adeniyan reaffirmed that Governor Aiyedatiwa remains 100% committed to the APC and all its official candidates ahead of the upcoming political cycle.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa remains committed to the APC and all its candidates. The Governor will work with all party structures to ensure that APC wins all elections in Ondo State,” Adeniyan declared.
The state government urged the public and party members to ignore the tactics of political detractors aiming to destabilize internal cohesion, adding that Governor Aiyedatiwa will remain focused on delivering good governance and consolidating the progress of the ruling party across Ondo State.
