Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu played a crucial role in halting an alleged impeachment plot against him during the political crisis that rocked the state in 2023.

Aiyedatiwa made the disclosure on Friday night during a press briefing with select journalists at the Government House in Akure, monitored live by The Nation.

The governor reflected on the “tense political” atmosphere that followed the illness and eventual death of his principal, the late Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

He noted that there were strong political moves to remove him from office while he was serving as deputy governor.

According to him, all the 26 members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, led by the current Speaker, Rt (Hon.) Olamide Oladiji, signed the impeachment notice against him.

The governor, however, noted that the timely intervention of President Tinubu helped calm tension and prevented the move from succeeding.

“Politics is about interests, and there are always diverse interests being pursued by different groups.

“When I was about to be impeached as the deputy governor to the late Akeredolu, the party was divided because people were pushing different agendas.

“My late principal (Akeredolu) had openly endorsed me from the very beginning.

“On the day of our inauguration, he made it clear that I would move up from being deputy governor.

“He also reiterated this position within the executive council; that I was the anointed expected to succeed him.”

He explained that the endorsement triggered political resistance from some actors, especially within the cabinet of the former administration, who were also interested in the governorship position. (The Nation)