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

Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, the sick governor of Ondo State, is going back to Germany to receive additional medical attention.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the governor's chief press secretary, Mr. Richard Olatunde, stated that Akeredolu would send a letter to the state House of Assembly designating his deputy, Lucy Aiyedatiwa, as the acting governor.
Allegedly afflicted with cancer, Akeredolu had been travelling to Germany for treatment, during which time he relinquished acting leadership to Aiyedatiwa.

The governor was absent on April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023 due to medical leave.

He turned over control to the deputy governor at that point. On September 7, he left the nation again and sent a letter to the state House of Assembly alerting the lawmakers.
The governor was supposed to be staying at his private home in Ibadan, but despite returning from a medical leave in Germany in September, he was not seen in Ondo State.

His absence left the state without a clear leader, and the executive council split into factions led by the deputy governor's supporters and the governor's supporters.

All of the media assistants working for the deputy governor's office were fired by the governor in September.

According to an insider source, the aides' dismissal was due to their disobedience to the proper authorities and their insubordination.

President Bola Tinubu met in November with the leaders of the state's All Progressive Congress and Mr. Olamide Oladiji, the speaker of the state assembly.
During a press briefing in Akure on November 28, Oladiji stated that the meeting's decision was to end all impeachment proceedings and require all parties to withdraw their court cases.

He claimed that prior to taking office, the deputy governor was requested to submit an undated letter of resignation.
However, because the disputing parties would not drop their legal actions, none of the resolutions were put into action.

In a statement issued after Tinubu's meeting with the deputy governor and state APC leaders on Monday night, Olatunde, the chief press secretary for Akeredolu, said that his principal had made the decision to go back to Germany on Wednesday for medical attention.

"Governor Akeredolu will prioritise his health during his medical leave and ensure a full recovery before resuming his official duties," Olatunde stated. The House of Assembly will receive a formal letter about the medical leave and a notice that formally transfers power in accordance with the Nigerian constitution.
The duties of the governor will be temporarily assumed by the deputy governor, honourable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, in lieu of Governor Akeredolu. Governor Akeredolu conveys his appreciation for the Ondo State people's steadfast love and support. He gives them his word that his administration is still dedicated to advancing the interests of the populace and ensuring their prosperity.

The assistance of Akeredolu

As a highly esteemed Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Governor Akeredolu has habitually assigned authority to his deputy while on yearly vacations. When he left on prior vacations on April 1, 2021, April 1, 2022, April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023, Olatunde stated, this practice was noted.
However, as of Tuesday night, when this report was filed, our correspondent's findings showed that the Assembly, which convened behind closed doors on Tuesday, had not yet received Akeredolu's letter.
According to an Assembly source, "The President instructed the House to obtain the letter transferring power to Aiyedatiwa during the meeting on Monday; if they were unable to obtain the letter from the governor, the House should adopt the Doctrine of Necessity."

The lawmakers discussed the presidential directive, but I have no doubt that the House will make a decision tomorrow (Wednesday). However, the governor's letter has not yet reached the Assembly as I speak with you.

Mr. Olatunji Oshati, the Assembly spokesman, informed our correspondent over the phone, saying, "I will call you back." I'm attending a meeting of parliament.
In the meantime, the Ondo State Conscience Movement has pushed Aiyedatiwa to launch an inquiry into claims that Akeredolu's signature was falsified.

The group said in a statement released on Tuesday by its chairman, Shalom Olaseni, that the claims, if verified, would seriously jeopardise the reputation and resources of the state as well as the credibility of its leadership.

Olaseni declared, "It is critical to draw attention to the detrimental effects of the purported governor's signature forgery. Such conduct jeopardises resource allocation and utilisation in addition to undermining the democratic foundation of the state. The possible misapplication of the sick governor's signature might result in financial theft, harming Ondo State's development efforts and damaging the state's reputation.
"The Ondo State Conscience Movement directly addresses Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the acting governor, pleading with him to use his power and launch a prompt and thorough investigation into the purported signature forgeries of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu by associates in his cabinet.
"Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa is essential to maintaining the values of justice and accountability as the current 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 commitment 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 hold those accountable for their actions, the results must be made public. The movement claims that in addition to being subject to legal scrutiny, this investigation is an essential step in regaining the integrity of the state’s governance structures,”
In a related development, attorney Dr. Tunji Abayomi stated that the state's citizens, not outside parties, are the only ones who can resolve the state's ongoing political crisis.


SAN gives natives advice.

This was said by Abayomi, who is also the pro-chancellor of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, during a Tuesday press conference in Akure.
"The crisis is not resolved in Abuja," he declared. The president is just there to assist us. The issue in Ondo State needs to be resolved. The President is not authorised 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.