In a bid to address the escalating leadership crisis in Ondo State, President Bola Tinubu has scheduled a crucial meeting with key stakeholders, including aides of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The meeting, confirmed by sources within the Presidential Villa, is set to take place today at 2 pm.
The leadership crisis in Ondo State has reached a critical point, prompting the urgent intervention of President Tinubu. The crisis prompted the Ondo State Elders and Leaders to appeal to the President for assistance in resolving the constitutional turmoil that has the potential to disrupt law and order within the state.
Notably, the crisis has also prompted calls for the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership, both at the state and national levels, to step in and provide guidance to the embattled state government officials while ensuring discipline within their ranks.
In a letter addressed to President Tinubu and jointly signed by the convener, Reuben Fasontanti, and the secretary, Bakkita Bello, the Elders and Leaders stressed the importance of allowing the three arms of government to collaborate in finding a lasting solution to the ongoing crisis.
Importantly, they urged the Ondo State House of Assembly not to pursue the impeachment of either Governor Akeredolu or Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa.
Ondo State has been grappling with political uncertainty over the past several months, particularly due to Governor Akeredolu’s extended medical absence in Germany. Although Governor Akeredolu returned to Nigeria during the first week of September after a three-month medical leave, he has been operating from Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
During his absence, Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa found himself embroiled in an impeachment process initiated by Ondo lawmakers, who levied allegations of gross misconduct against him. The situation had only exacerbated the already precarious political climate within the state.
In a related development, President Tinubu has issued an order for the withdrawal of police personnel from the premises of the Ondo State House of Assembly in Akure, further emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
The upcoming meeting at the Presidential Villa is expected to be a critical step toward achieving a consensus and restoring stability in Ondo State, as all parties involved seek to find common ground in addressing the complex issues at hand.
