Canadian-based Nigerian investigative journalist, Olujimi Adekanle, has alleged that Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, was denied a visa to the United States ahead of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, SavannahNewnow Reports.
Adekanle, in a statement, claimed that Aiyedatiwa was expected to be part of the Nigerian delegation to the global gathering, which is being led by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
However, available official reports on Nigeria’s delegation currently identify Shettima as the head of the delegation, with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials listed among those accompanying him.
According to Adekanle, the alleged visa denial would be the third occasion on which the United States Embassy had refused the governor a visa.
He said the circumstances surrounding the alleged denial raised questions that warranted clarification, adding that he would investigate and make public what he described as the reasons behind the development.
“I will unravel the reason behind this issue,”Adekanle was quoted as saying.
The 81st UN General Assembly’s high-level General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28, 2026, in New York, under the theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”
As of Monday, September 21, Vice President Shettima had arrived in New York with Governor Fubara, Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning Doris Uzoka-Anite and other senior government officials.
There has been no public statement from Governor Aiyedatiwa, the Ondo State Government or the United States Embassy in Nigeria confirming or explaining the alleged visa denial.
Adekanle’s claim therefore remains unverified pending an official response or further evidence.
