Concerns over a rumoured scheme by Akeredolu’s wife to impose herself as the council chief

The nomination of a caretaker chairman for the recently constituted Odigbo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, has put Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the wife of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, and the natives of the Odigbo community at odds.

The councillor representing Ore Ward, Eucharia Nwamara, was reportedly suggested by the First Lady to serve as the next caretaker chairman.

The Odigbo natives, who assert that such would never be permitted in their region, have, however, reacted angrily to this decision.

Asserting that it is improper for the First Lady to designate a politician of Igbo descent as the Caretaker Chairman of Odigbo LCDA, the locals voiced their fervent opposition to Nwamara’s nomination.

They urged the government to give priority to appointing a caretaker chairman who is not only conversant with the community’s needs but also respects its cultural values and traditions in order to ask for a reassessment of the nomination.

In a meeting at the palace of the Orunja of Odigbo kingdom, Oba Rufus Adegboyega Akinrinmade, Adebusoye 1, and the Odigbo citizens who spoke out about their concerns argued that it would be an aberration for their traditional rulers to follow the orders of a non-indigenous person appointed as the Caretaker Chairman of the Council.

We have a long history of maintaining peace in our region, according to Mayowa Akinfolarin, a former lawmaker in the House of Representatives. We have urged peace among our children.

“We are taking many steps to maintain peace. We are expressing to the First Lady our love for her and for our neighbours. Anything that can disturb the tranquilly of this area is rejected by us.

Dr. Tunji Moyero, the Ondo APC’s organising secretary, responded on his behalf by saying, “Our king cannot go to council to take commands from someone who is not from here. Our children will engage in conflict if we choose not to. This requires everyone to step up.

“If there is anything in that area, we have no other means, and our youth are ready, we are pleading with the wife of the governor. We are battling for the right thing.

According to Femi Olafumiloye, a neighbourhood leader, the First Lady’s behaviour would upset the tranquilly in the neighbourhood.

“How can we establish an LCDA with a complete stranger serving as the first interim chairman? It is an ardent pleading. She is free to reverse her choice. We can’t stand it. Let one of us serve as chairman. How could an Igbo woman contact us? He inquired.

In addition to advising his followers to let peace prevail, Oba Akinrinmade pleaded with the First Lady not to endanger societal harmony.

According to him, Nwamara visited him two weeks ago and claimed she was in favour of another individual becoming Caretaker Chairman. She also claimed to have told him she turned down the offer when she was summoned, he said.

Nwamara stated that she had lived in Odigbo for more than 38 years and had contributed to its development when she was contacted.

I work as a politician. Every opportunity in life is a chance. There was no protest that I was aware of. I’ve been a resident of Odigbo for almost 35 years. I’ve participated in community development. I have heard rumours as well,” she added.