Ondo crisis: Deputy takes over as Akeredolu returns to Germany for treatment

Tinubu meets with Ondo leaders once more; the failing governor will forward a letter to parliament.

• Akeredolu guarantees a full recovery before returning to the assembly during a closed-door meeting.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, who is sick, is going back to Germany to receive more care.

Mr. Richard Olatunde, the chief press secretary for the governor, said in a statement on Tuesday that Akeredolu would send a letter to the state House of Assembly designating his deputy, Lucy Aiyedatiwa, as the acting governor.

Said to have cancer, Akeredolu has been traveling to Germany for treatment, at which time he turned himself over to Aiyedatiwa in an acting capacity.

On April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023, the governor took medical leave.

He then turned control over to the deputy governor. On September 7, he left the nation again and wrote to the state House of Assembly to let the members know.

Despite coming back to Ondo State in September from a medical leave in Germany, the governor was not seen there since he was reportedly residing at his Ibadan private property.

Due to his absence, the state experienced a leadership vacuum, and the executive council split into groups loyal to the deputy governor and the governor.

In September, the governor fired all of the media assistants working for the deputy governor’s office.

The assistants were fired due to their disobedience and flagrant contempt for the proper authority, according to an insider source.

The state leaders of the All Progressive Congress and Mr. Olamide Oladiji, the speaker of the state assembly, met with President Bola Tinubu in November.

Informing the media in Akure of the meeting’s decision on November 28, Oladiji stated that all parties involved had decided to withdraw their court petitions and to end the impeachment procedures.

He claimed that before taking office, the deputy governor was required to draft an undated resignation letter.

Unfortunately, the parties to the dispute refused to drop their legal actions, therefore none of the resolutions were put into action.

Olatunde, the chief press secretary for Akeredolu, announced in a statement that Tinubu had opted to return to Germany on Wednesday for medical treatment, following the party leader’s meeting with the deputy governor and state APC officials on Monday night.

“Governor Akeredolu will prioritize his health and ensure a full recovery before resuming his official duties,” Olatunde stated. “He will take a medical leave of absence.” The House of Assembly will get a formal notice of power transfer in accordance with the Nigerian constitution and an official letter regarding the medical leave.

“When Governor Akeredolu is not present, the Deputy Governor, the Honorable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, will act as the governor.” In his message, Governor Akeredolu thanks the people of Ondo State for their steadfast love and support. He reassures them that his government is still dedicated to advancing the interests of the populace and bringing about prosperity.

Help for Akeredolu

“Governor Akeredolu has routinely given authority to his deputy while on his yearly vacations as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a well-respected Nigerian. On April 1, 2021, April 1, 2022, April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023, when he left on prior vacations, this pattern was noted, according to Olatunde.

Our correspondent’s research, however, revealed that as of Tuesday night, when this article was filed, the Assembly—which convened in private on Tuesday—had not yet received Akeredolu’s letter.

“During the meeting on Monday, the President instructed the House to obtain the letter transferring power to Aiyedatiwa. If they were unable to obtain the letter from the governor, the House was to adopt the Doctrine of Necessity,” according to a source in the Assembly.

“I am confident that the House will release a statement tomorrow (Wednesday),” the legislators said after debating the presidential direction. However, the Assembly has not yet received the governor’s letter when I speak with you.

The Assembly spokesperson, Mr. Olatunji Oshati, informed our correspondent over the phone, “I will call you back.” I’m in a meeting with the legislature.

Aiyedatiwa has been encouraged to launch a probe into claims of forgery of Akeredolu’s signature by an organization called the Ondo State Conscience Movement.

If confirmed, the accusations would seriously jeopardize the legitimacy of the state’s leadership, as well as its resources and reputation, according to a statement released by the group on Tuesday and signed by its chairman, Shalom Olaseni.

“We must draw attention to the detrimental effects of the purported forgery of the governor’s signature,” Olaseni stated. Such an act jeopardizes not only the state’s democratic foundation but also the distribution and application of resources. The possible mishandling of the sick governor’s signature can result in financial theft, damaging Ondo State’s image and imperiling its development initiatives.

“The Ondo State Conscience Movement makes a direct appeal to Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the acting governor, pleading with him to use his power and launch a swift and thorough investigation into the claims that members of his cabinet had faked the signature of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

“Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa is essential to maintaining the values of justice and accountability as the present steward of the state’s executive responsibilities. The Movement is begging him to stand up for openness by ordering a comprehensive investigation and making sure the results are released to the public. This action would not only show his steadfast devotion to the integrity and well-being of Ondo State, but also his adherence to the rule of law.Thus, an in-depth examination of the purported signature forgery is strongly demanded by the Ondo State Conscience Movement. To maintain transparency and keep persons accountable for their actions, the results must be made public. The movement claims that this inquiry is an essential step in restoring the integrity of the state’s governing systems as well as an issue deserving of legal examination.

According to a related development, the state’s citizens, not outside parties, are the only ones who can fix the state’s ongoing political problem, according to lawyer Dr. Tunji Abayomi.

The SAN counsels natives

In an interview with journalists in Akure on Tuesday, Abayomi—who also serves as the pro-chancellor of the Adekunle Ajasin University—stated as much.

“The crisis is not resolved in Abuja,” he declared. The president is just there to assist us. The issue in Ondo State has to be resolved. The President is not authorized by law to rule the state. He is limited to governing the nation. The Ondo State executive is the one with resolution power. We must find a solution, and whether or not one is found is up to the Ondo State authorities.