It was gathered that the governor was planning to make some leadership changes in the House of Assembly.
But some PDP leaders, who got wind of the plot, kicked against the move.
This new crisis is coming on the heels of the blame game raised by the defeat of the governor’s candidate, Eyitayo Jegede, in the November 26 election.
Some party leaders have blamed Mimiko for the party’s defeat, arguing that his choice of Jegede, who is from his senatorial district, necessitated the legal actions initiated by Jimoh Ibrahim to create confusion within the party.
Those who have reportedly expressed misgivings about the changes include former presidential adviser Kingsley Kuku, Prof Olu Agbi, Dr Bode Olajumoke, Eddy Olafeso and the party’s state secretary, Ola Ibine.
It was gathered that Mimiko alongside a few of his kitchen cabinet members met last week to discuss the need for ‘’some structural changes in the House’’.
Once effected, such changes are likely to keep the governor’s influence afloat, as least, for some time.
The Assembly is dominated by PDP with 21 members; the All Progressives Congress (APC) has six lawmakers.
Sources within the Assembly said the planned leadership changes billed to take place shortly after the New Year will see the exit of Ms Jumoke Akindele ( Okitipupa 1) as Speaker.
She may likely be replaced by the Majority Leader, Ifedayo Akinsoyinu, a long standing ally of Mimiko and lawmaker representing Ondo West II.
The Deputy Speaker, Fatal Owoseni, Akoko North East (Ikare) may retain his position.
Iroju Ogundeji (Odigbo I) is slated to emerge as Majority Leader; Abayomi Akinruntan (Ilaje I) will be Chief Whip .
Ms Akindele, Ogundeji and Akinruntan are from the South Senatorial District.
Akinsoyinu is from the Central Senatorial District. Olotu is from the North.
A member of the pro-Mimiko Clement Faboyede-led state executive committee, who played a key role in the ill-fated election outing, told our reporter that the governor’s purported move has created a division within the party.
‘’I don’t think it is as serious as people see it. What is important is the understanding that we all require to put into it.
“The fact that the governor could not produce his successor should be an emotional burden that people should bear with him.
‘’If he cannot produce his successor, why can’t he try to produce the Speaker when the opportunity arises.”
He said as much as the governor would have loved Akure zone to produce the Speaker, the only PDP lawmaker from the zone is a woman and the governor has reservations about her capacity.
