In response to the ongoing feud between Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State and his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, President Bola Tinubu has reportedly stepped in to mediate. Prominent elders and traditional rulers in the state had earlier appealed to President Tinubu to intervene in the political crisis to prevent potential anarchy.
President Tinubu has heeded the call from South West leaders and has invited members of the Ondo State Assembly to Abuja for a meeting scheduled on Friday. The outcome of this meeting is expected to play a pivotal role in determining the next steps in resolving the political standoff.
Ondo State Speaker, Oladiji Olamide, confirmed the meeting with President Tinubu and emphasized that the purpose of the scheduled Friday plenary was to declare Aiyedatiwa as Acting Governor, not to declare Governor Akeredolu as incapacitated. Olamide clarified that the Governor is still alive.
“The meeting with President Tinubu will take place on Friday afternoon, and the outcome will shape our next line of action,” stated Oladiji.
However, it has been observed that the Ondo Assembly is currently divided, with 11 lawmakers expressing support for Aiyedatiwa. These legislators have reportedly been influenced by external forces, leading to a scheduled sitting on Friday, which was pushed by the 11 lawmakers.
An anonymous lawmaker revealed that the sitting is part of a plan orchestrated in Abuja, involving the 11 lawmakers, to declare Governor Akeredolu incapacitated and proclaim Aiyedatiwa as the new Governor. The unfolding developments highlight the complex nature of the political dynamics in Ondo State, as stakeholders await the outcome of the meeting with President Tinubu for potential resolutions.
