President Bola Tinubu intervened late on Friday in the months-long dispute between groups supporting the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the Executive Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, in an effort to bring political stability back to Ondo State.
This followed marathon negotiations between the President and the Deputy Governor, representatives of Governor Akeredolu, federal and state lawmakers of Ondo, officials of the state’s chapter of the All Progressives’ Congress, and other stakeholders in the state at the State House, Abuja.
Recall that the state assembly had served the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, an impeachment notice following alleged gross misconduct.
The deputy governor subsequently challenged his impeachment in court.
Also, the continued absence of Governor Akeredolu after his return from a medical vacation abroad has further heightened tensions in the state.
Supporters of Aiyedatiwa threatened to protest last week if the governor failed to resume. They demanded that in the alternative, Aiyedatiwa be declared acting governor.
Notable personalities including the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, and traditional rulers, appealed to the President to intervene.
Things came to a head, yesterday when the state lawmakers loyal to the deputy governor were going to make him acting governor.
Tinubu’s intervention
After the resolution yesterday, the Deputy Governor, Aiyedatiwa, pledged to carry all commissioners and officials along in handling the state’s affairs.
Also, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Oladiji Olamide, resolved to halt all impeachment moves against Aiyedatiwa.
The Deputy Governor pledged to maintain the status quo and unite all the warring factions.
He said: “I want to say that I pledge to all of you that I embrace every one of you. I put behind all that has happened before now. I’ve let go and also let God, just as the President has advised us.
“And I want to say that no offence, no guile in my mind whatsoever. All that has happened is politics. Impeachment is part of politics. If you survive it, it is also politics. It has come. I’ve survived it and every other thing in his past.”
“It is one big family and our father has intervened to bring all the children together to remain under the same family. With the position that I occupy, I will carry every one of you along in every decision that needs to be taken.
