Ondo Crisis: Deputy Takes Over as Akeredolu Returns to Germany for Treatment
In a significant development, the ailing Governor of Ondo State, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, is set to return to Germany for further medical treatment.
This decision comes amidst an ongoing political crisis in the state, leading to the governor transmitting a letter to the state House of Assembly, temporarily handing over power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who will assume the role of acting governor.
Akeredolu’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Richard Olatunde, released a statement on Tuesday, confirming the governor’s health condition and the subsequent power transfer.
The governor, reportedly battling cancer, had previously sought medical treatment in Germany and had handed over responsibilities to Aiyedatiwa during his absence.
The governor initially went on medical vacation on April 3, 2023, and returned on July 10, 2023. However, upon his return, he remained elusive, staying in his private residence in Ibadan, creating a leadership vacuum in the state.
This vacuum resulted in a division within the executive council, with factions loyal to the governor and others supporting the deputy governor.
In a move to consolidate power, Akeredolu sacked all media aides attached to the office of the deputy governor in September. The governor’s absence and subsequent actions escalated the political tension in Ondo State.
President Bola Tinubu held a meeting with state All Progressive Congress leaders and the Speaker of the state Assembly, Mr Olamide Oladiji, on November 28.
The meeting aimed to find resolutions, leading to an agreement to terminate impeachment proceedings and withdraw court cases.
As Akeredolu heads back to Germany for treatment, the deputy governor, Aiyedatiwa, is expected to assume the responsibilities of the governor in an acting capacity.
Akeredolu’s spokesperson highlighted the governor’s consistent delegation of power to his deputy during annual vacations.
Despite the impending power transfer, the state Assembly, which convened behind closed doors, is yet to receive Akeredolu’s official letter. A source revealed that the Assembly might resort to the Doctrine of Necessity if the letter is not received promptly.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Conscience Movement has called on Aiyedatiwa to investigate allegations of the forgery of Akeredolu’s signature.
The group emphasized the potential threat such forgery poses to the state’s leadership, resources, and reputation. They urged the acting governor to champion transparency by initiating a thorough inquiry.
In a related development, legal practitioner Dr Tunji Abayomi stressed that the resolution of the political crisis lies within the people of Ondo State and not external bodies.
He emphasized that the power to resolve the issue rests with the state’s executive and leaders, urging them to address the crisis internally. Abayomi noted that the President’s role is supportive but not governing, emphasizing the need for a local solution to the prolonged political tensions in Ondo State.