Political elders in the All Progressives Congress (APC), under the auspices of the Ondo Mandate Elders Forum, on Wednesday converged in Akure, the state capital, to intervene in the growing political tension between Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Minister of Interior, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, with a call for peace and reconciliation.

The elders’ intervention followed weeks of rising unease within the political space, amid concerns that the rivalry between the two influential leaders could destabilise the ruling APC in the state ahead of future elections.

At a meeting held at the Akure residence of the Forum’s leader, former Commissioner for Works, Chief Erastus Akeju, the Elders Forum resolved to summon both Aiyedatiwa and Tunji-Ojo for dialogue, warning that Ondo State could not afford an endless political crisis.

The gathering, attended by party leaders and former political appointees, was described as the Forum’s first major move since its inauguration.

The convener of the meeting, Chief Ademola Ijabiyi, said the intervention became imperative, stressing that the elders could no longer fold their arms while political rifts fester in the state.

“We cannot watch things degenerate into a full-blown crisis. Governor Aiyedatiwa is our governor, Bunmi Tunji-Ojo is our son, too. Both of them are leaders of this state. We will call them, and we will insist on peace,” Ijabiyi said.

He explained that the newly formed Forum was designed to provide a stabilising platform during periods of political tension.

“This is the first time elders are coming together under one central platform in Ondo. Whenever there is a crisis, we will intervene. Our role is to troubleshoot, calm nerves, and ensure unity. That is what leadership means,” he added.

Beyond party stability, Ijabiyi noted that the elders see themselves as custodians of the state’s political future and are also committed to strengthening support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“Ondo is Tinubu’s base. We have nearly two million registered voters. We should not settle for percentages; we should deliver in absolute numbers. Our elders remain political influencers in their communities, and we are determined to mobilise that strength,” he said.

The Forum further assured that youths would be carried along in its mission, while warning that any individual or group attempting to cause instability in the state would be firmly called to order.

Political observers in the state, however, said the intervention could help ease tensions within the APC in Ondo, where control of party structures has often fuelled rivalry among stakeholders.

The elders also believe that fostering unity between Aiyedatiwa and Tunji-Ojo is critical, not only for peace in the state but also for the electoral fortunes of the party.

Those in attendance at the meeting included Chief Erastus Akeju (Chairman), Hon. Demola Ijabiyi (Facilitator), Hon. Justice Sehinde Kumuyi (rtd.), Bode Sunmonu, Princess Oladunni Odu, Pastor Femi Agagu, Chief Bailey Arohunmolase and Hon. Ebenezer Alabi.

Others were Chief Korede Duyile, Chief Femi Bakare, Senator Yele Omogunwa, Chief Olabisi Johnson, Princess Bukky Abike Oluderu, Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin, Hon. Samuel Aderoboye, and Hon. Nimbe Tawose, among others. (Nigerian Tribune)