Group Wants Tinubu to Intervene in Ondo’s Political Crisis

A pressure group, Ilaje Development Summit Group, has called on President Bola Tinubu, to urgently wade into the raging political war between Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Ondo State.

A group, Ilaje Development Summit Group (IDSG) has canvassed for the timely intervention of President Bola Tinubu in the political crisis between Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and the state Deputy Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa. IDSG also called for respect for constitutional rights and democratic values in Ondo State. 

The group, in a release isdued in Akure also stressed that state governance should not be reduced to family affairs, saying the state government should draw a line. 

The crisis in Ondo State revolves around the strained relationship between Governor Akeredolu and Deputy Governor Ayedatiwa.

According to the group, this political crisis has not only threatened the stability of the state, but also the democratic ideals for which Nigeria has tirelessly strived over the years. 

The possibility of amicable resolution of the feud seems not to be in sight as the State House of Assembly has begun the impeachment process against the Deputy Governor.

In a swift reaction, however, Aiyedatiwa approached the State High Court  seeking the court’s order to stop the legislators from continuing on the impeachment process.

IDSG, which raised constitutional breach in the impeachment process said: “what is going on in Ondo State as regards the office of the Deputy Governor is a breach of the constitutional rights and democratic values

“The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the honor, respect, rights, and privileges that come with the office, and these must be upheld.

“The Deputy Governor Ayedatiwa has been very supportive to his principal and those working to discourage or impede the Deputy Governor, who was elected to serve the people of Ondo State, are unpatriotic.”

But, the group, who said it was normal for two people to disagree, said maturity, tolerance and love for the people whom they are to serve should make political gladiators to seek for peace.

It, therefore, called on President Tinubu to intervene to prevent a complete breakdown of law and order in Ondo State.

The group highlighted the ongoing political unrest, including the alleged frustration of Deputy Governor Ayedatiwa’s constitutional rights during Governor Akeredolu’s medical leave.

IDSG expressed concerns about the curtailment of the Deputy Governor’s constitutional responsibilities and the undue influence exerted by unelected family members and cronies of Governor Akeredolu.

The group said: “Akeredolu and Ayedatiwa had a joint ticket but Betty Akeredolu’s intrusion into the governance and life of Ondo State people is most appalling and detestable.

“We had Mimiko, Agagu, Adefarati’s families before her. No wife, no children’s intrusion.

“In Lagos, there was Tinubu, Fashola, Ambode and even Sanwo-Olu families. 

In Ogun, Daniel, Amosun and even Dapo Abiodun kept their families away from governance. What sort of government is Aketi practicing?”

It called on President Tinubu to use his influence to rectify the situation and prevent chaos.

“We the Ilaje people, who are from the oil-producing region of Ondo State, have been advocating for development and recognition.

“While we have conceded other political positions, we are determined to secure the governorship, given their sacrifices for the state and the nation.

“We shall to employ all legitimate means to resist any attempt to shortchange them in the political process”.

The legal battle unfoldsmed as the Sunshine State grappled with a political crisis that has sparked concerns about constitutional respect, democratic values, and the need for national intervention.

“The political turmoil in Ondo State raises important questions about the respect for constitutional offices and the need for national intervention to prevent a complete breakdown of law and order” IDSG stated.

The IDSG and Ilaje people emphasize the importance of upholding democratic values and constitutional rights in Nigeria.

The Ilaje people, the group further said, will continue their struggle for recognition, underscoring the importance of upholding democratic values and constitutional rights in Nigeria.