Calm seems to have returned to Ondo State after a political impasse that gripped the state for weeks following a rift between the ailing state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, and his deputy, now Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Akeredolu has been battling health issues since June and took a three-month medical leave to Germany. In September, he returned to Nigeria and governed Ondo from Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, a scenario that led to a political crisis in the state.
There were controversies around the need to hand over power to Aiyedatiwa. There was also an attempt by members of the State House of Assembly to impeach the deputy governor, and there were also allegations that some persons forged the governor’s signature on official documents.
In the midst of this imbroglio, President Bola Tinubu intervened, calling for calm and urging all parties to maintain status quo. His directive apparently marked a significant shift in the political landscape of Ondo and has paid off as much-needed stability has returned to the state.
Akeredolu transmits power
On Tuesday, 12 December 2023, Akeredolu announced that he would commence another medical leave on Wednesday, 13 December, as a follow-up to his medical treatment, and that he would “prioritise his health and ensure a full recovery before resuming his official duties”.
An official statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, said Akeredolu had asked his deputy to assume responsibilities as acting governor in his absence.
“A formal letter regarding the medical leave and a notice formally transferring power in line with the Nigerian Constitution will be transmitted to the House of Assembly,” Olatunde said.
On Wednesday, the Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, confirmed receipt of a letter from Governor Akeredolu transferring power to his deputy, Aiyedatiwa, in acting capacity, in line with Section 190 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
According to the letter, Aiyedatiwa would assume the responsibilities of the governor in acting capacity until there is a written declaration to the contrary.
Aiyedatiwa sues for unity
A day after he assumed power as Acting Governor of Ondo State, Aiyedatiwa addressed the people of the state, calling for renewed unity and commitment to the state’s development.
He acknowledged the recent political situation in the state as a “temporary delay” but emphasised that the government had “recovered”.
In a statewide broadcast, Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the challenges faced by the state due to Akeredolu’s health concerns. He stated that the “intrigues” surrounding the issue were “avoidable distractions” and called for a unified effort to move forward.
“It is not for us as humans to question God but to pray for His mercies upon our lives,” he said. “We must acknowledge that the key to the well-being of a man is in the hands of God.”
Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, APC Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, and Pa Reuben Fasoranti for their role in maintaining peace and stability during the period of uncertainty.
He pledged to continue the legacy of Governor Akeredolu and deliver on the promises made to the people of Ondo. He also appealed to the state government officials and citizens to work together in this endeavour.
Tinubu’s intervention unnecessary
While some hailed President Tinubu for his intervention in the Ondo political crisis, former Lagos State governor and former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), argued that the President’s intervention was not necessary.
Speaking at the Nigerian Air Force Officers Mess Honorary Members Forum (HMF) 2023 Annual Lecture in Lagos at the weekend, Fashola said after several calls to amend the Constitution at different times, it was high time Nigerians amended their ways.
Fashola, who spoke on the topic was “Leadership – Leading the Change”, said the constitution was clear on what should be done in such situations and the roles to be played by individuals involved.
“We have amended the constitution, so what is left to amend, except ourselves? Is this a matter that required presidential intervention when some people were calling for the President to intervene? Does the Constitution assign a role to the President in this matter? Are those inviting the President to act in Ondo and in Rivers States not aware that the President has no constitutional role in these matters?” Fashola asked.
“Are they not also those who argue that the Federal Government and, by extension, the President are too powerful and encroach on the powers of state governments? Is this a case of passing the buck when tough leadership calls are requested to be made?
“Happily, in our Ondo case, some blue blood Ondo indigenes have stood up to be counted. But they are in an obvious minority.
“(They intervened) in the pursuit of law and constitutionality before the governor’s letter restored calm. And we want for leadership in Rivers state to do the needful,” he stated.
Sowore calls for Akeredolu’s resignation
Despite the return of calm in Ondo State, human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 general election, Mr Omoyele Sowore, called for the resignation of Governor Akeredolu.
Speaking during a town hall meeting at the Akure City Hall on Saturday, Sowore maintained the urgency to liberate the state from alleged mismanagement of resources by a select few individuals. He particularly challenged the House of Assembly to publicly present the letter purportedly written by Governor Akeredolu for his medical leave to confirm its authenticity.
Expressing concern over Akeredolu’s continuation in office despite reported health challenges, Sowore criticized the governor’s receipt of a security vote while being absent from the state.
He addressed the political imbroglio in the state and its detrimental impact on development, highlighting the necessity for citizens to defend their constitutional rights.
“We’ve tolerated this situation for too long in Ondo State. This crisis has lingered for more than a year now. They cannot produce any letter from the governor because he is not in a condition to sign any document at the moment. There is no such letter,” Sowore declared.
He urged Acting Governor Aiyedatiwa to ensure transparent governance that directly benefits the people in the coming months.
“This isn’t merely about Akeredolu’s resignation or resumption, but about ensuring that individuals appointed into political offices have the people’s interests at heart,” Sowore emphasized.
“With elections on the horizon, it’s crucial to be discerning. Enough is enough; this must cease,” he said.
Going forward
The melodrama of power tussle of the past weeks in Ondo State only succeeded in impeding development and shortchanging the people, starving them of good governance and dividends of democracy as governance was relegated to the background while it lasted.
Now that calm has returned to the state following the constitutional transfer of power to the deputy governor, pundits say it is time to set aside bickering and shift focus to governance, which is what the Ondo people actually yearn for.
