Ondo, Nigeria
After about six hours of discussions involving President Bola Tinubu, Ondo state officials, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and various stakeholders, the political deadlock in Ondo has been resolved.
The parties convened at Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja following President Tinubu’s invitation.
Recall that the turmoil in Ondo arose upon the governor’s return from a medical trip, with his loyalists striving to oust the deputy governor over actions taken during the governor’s absence.
The State Assembly listed 14 alleged offenses by the deputy governor, prompting an impeachment move that sparked a legal battle.
However, the focus has shifted to Governor Akeredolu’s health, with calls for his resignation as he governs remotely from Ibadan in Oyo State.
Supporters of Aiyedatiwa, the deputy governor, threatened protests unless he resumed office or was declared acting governor.
Notable figures, including Afenifere and traditional rulers, appealed to President Tinubu for intervention, leading to the Abuja meeting.
Earlier speculations hinted at the Ondo State House of Assembly declaring Aiyedatiwa as acting governor.
It was gathered that the Ondo State House of Assembly had been divided with 11 lawmakers in support of Aiyedatiwa.
Plans were allegedly made in Abuja by these lawmakers to declare Governor Akeredolu incapacitated and name Aiyedatiwa as governor.
However, after yesterday’s resolution, Aiyedatiwa vowed to involve all commissioners and officials in governing the state, while the Speaker of the House committed to ceasing all impeachment moves against Aiyedatiwa.
Both pledged unity and emphasized cooperation for the benefit of the people.
President Tinubu also instructed the police to withdraw from the Ondo State House of Assembly premises in Akure.