Index to Nigerian Newspapers

In February and March, congresses were scheduled for party official elections in Ondo State by the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, concerns about potential conflicts arose due to a rivalry between Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. This tension escalated into violence during a ward congress in Odode-Idanre, resulting in two deaths and injuries. The discord seems rooted in power struggles, as party factions align with either Aiyedatiwa or Tunji-Ojo, despite public displays of unity during official events. Rumors of orchestrated attacks at a stakeholders' meeting suggested deeper divisions, with allegations targeting the governor's camp. The governor denied involvement, attributing the violence to supporters of various aspirants. Party insiders point out that Tunji-Ojo's outreach efforts have gained him favor, portraying Aiyedatiwa as neglectful of party needs and stability.

The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, has rejected impeachment efforts by 12 lawmakers, claiming the allegations are baseless and politically motivated. The Assembly is divided, with 14 members supporting the Speaker and 12 dissenting lawmakers, led by Olajide Oguntolu, accusing him of financial mismanagement and demanding transparency. Oladiji refuted these claims, stating he does not handle Assembly funds directly and that the dissenters' grievances are personal. Oguntolu insisted the impeachment is about integrity and unrelated to the governor, resulting in a deepening division within the Assembly.

Women in Ondo State are calling on political parties to nominate female deputy governorship candidates ahead of the November 16 governorship elections. The Ondo State Women Group, which represents various women groups in the state, has issued a communique titled "Agitation for gender balance and inclusiveness." The women demand the nomination of women as deputy governorship candidates from all participating political parties and an increased budgetary allocation for the state Ministry of Women Affairs. They argue that using the Yoruba word "Odatiwa" for inclusiveness while confining women to the "other room" is contradictory and unacceptable.