Confidence Vote on Akeredolu Amid Ondo’s Festering Political Crisis

Fidelis David reports that the recent passing of vote of confidence on Governor of Ondo State, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu by the state executive council members has reignited the political crisis between the governor and  deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as the crisis in the two camps continue to fester ahead of the 2024 governorship election in the sunshine state.

The Political opprobrium in Ondo state is showing no sign of abating with less than 12 months to the 2024 governorship election slated for November 16, 2024 in the sunshine state.

Before delving into the specifics, it has been over 74 days since the Governor of the State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, returned from a three-month medical vacation in Germany, and since then, he has been in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, where he carries out his duties, a development that has triggered criticisms.

Affirming Confidence in Akeredolu

Undoubtedly, the past six months in the sunshine state has been full of daily drama, with the crisis taking new turn weekly, while hope of possible resolution appears far in the horizon.

Last week Thursday, the state executive council members passed vote of confidence on Akeredolu, expressing confidence in his ability and capability to continue leading the state government.

Perhaps, this came amid protest by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), demanding the whereabouts of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu who returned to the country on September 7 after his three- month medical leave in Germany and has since remained in Ibadan amid claims by the opposition party that the governor has become incapacitated.

A statement jointly signed by the state executive council and other political appointees, the Exco unanimously declared their unflinching trust in Akeredolu and endorsed his impactful leadership.

In the document, out of 35 cabinet members, 33 signed while two others failed to append their signature.

The cabinet members explained that, in fulfillment of their dedicated responsibilities to advance the programs and policies of Akeredolu-led administration, encapsulated in the Redeemed agenda, aimed at enhancing the lives of the people and fostering development across the state, they proudly commended the Governor for the unprecedented progress under his leadership.

According to them: “As members of the State Executive Council, we have imbibed the principles of good governance, integrity, and commitment from the very best- Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. The courage and exemplary leadership consistently displayed by Mr. Governor continue to motivate and inspire us to fulfill our duties

“Without hesitation, Mr. Governor is a blessing to the good people of Ondo State. His leadership has been rewarding and inspirational. Governor Akeredolu is not only a worthy leader but also a national asset who passionately pursues the welfare of the country. This patriotic leadership is characterized by unwavering courage in leading the people of the Sunshine State towards prosperity and progress.

“As Mr. Governor’s foot soldiers, we take immense pride in being under his leadership. Witnessing his dedication, sleepless nights, and commitment to protecting and serving the people of the state, despite numerous challenges in the past, is truly admirable.

His leadership embodies compassion, vision, and commitment to development, progress, and peace.”

Besides, the Exco noted that the state is reaping the benefits of Akeredolu’s courage, saying, the Amotekun corps, a product of his determination, has become a celebrated innovation in the security architecture of the state and the Southwest in general.

“Since security is the primary objective of any government, the existence of Amotekun is a testament to Governor Akeredolu’s visionary leadership.

“Popularly referred to as “Mr. Road” or “Mr. Infrastructure,” these appellations reflect the administration’s giant strides in infrastructural development. Since assuming office, Mr. Governor has demonstrated a clear passion and dedication to bridging infrastructural gaps in the state. Over the past six years, significant growth and progress in infrastructural development have been recorded, including the construction of two unprecedented flyovers.

“The first flyover, named “Redemption Bridge” and located in Ore, was constructed by the Governor Akeredolu-led administration. The second, the first in the state capital, is underway at the Shagari/Onyearbulem junction in Akure. These infrastructure projects, termed “Dividend of good governance” by Mr. Governor, represent a substantial public good”.

According to the executive members, Ondo State under the leadership of Akeredolu has taken a significant leap in the health sector, noting that the construction of 250-bed ultra-modern teaching hospitals in Akure and Ondo respectively has reached an appreciable level.

“Having worked closely with the Governor, we commend his dedication to public service and achievements in infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and various sectors that have positively impacted the lives of Ondo State people. We take pride in sharing in these achievements and successes, acknowledging Mr. Governor’s visionary governance, commitment to development, and tireless efforts in improving the well-being of Ondo State citizens.

“Therefore, we unanimously declare our unflinching trust in Mr. Governor and endorse his impactful leadership. As a united front, we remain steadfast in our support for Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and pledge to continue working collaboratively towards the advancement and prosperity of the state. We express our gratitude to Mr. Governor for his selfless service and courageous leadership.”

The Work of Desperate Politicians

Meanwhile, two of the Commissioners, Razak Obe of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals Resources, and  his Commerce Industry and Cooperatives counterpart, Samson Sowore, did not append signatures against their names.

Specifically, the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Akin Sowore, said the move was the work of desperate politicians in the state in order to create crisis.

He said: “The vote passed by the members of the cabinet in the state does not count, because in the first place, we are the appointees of Mr. Governor. We can’t even say that we don’t have confidence in him. Anybody that doesn’t have confidence in his government has to resign, so by pushing vote of confidence as far as I’m concerned it does not make sense, we don’t have power to remove the governor as members of the cabinet.

“So, passing vote of confidence on Governor in the first place does not add anything to Mr. Governor. So it is the work of those desperate politicians in the state in order to create crisis when there is no crisis.

No exco Meeting has Been Held Since Akeredolu’s Return

According to the Commerce Commissioner, no Exco meeting has been held since the governor’s return, except during the period when the deputy governor was the acting governor.

“I don’t have any issues with the governor, and he is our governor in the state. In fact, in the first place, they don’t allow the man to rest. There was no Exco meeting, the governor is far away in Ibadan and the deputy is embattled far away in Abuja, so nobody to chair the executive meeting in the state.

“Even if I’m around I will not have signed. No exco meeting had been held since Akeredolu’s return, except when Aiyedatiwa was acting as deputy governor. But, since the governor had resumed duty on 7th September, 2023, no Exco meeting had been held”, he added.

Also, the Commissioner for Energy and Minerals Resources, Razak Obe said “I’m in Lagos as I speak to you, I left Akure to attend a conference and I communicated that to the Chief of Staff before I left. So later they were asking for my signature to be appended on a document, they called it vote of confidence and I asked if anyone share a copy with me so that I will know the content before appending my signature.

“No executive meeting was held, nothing like that. So I was careful dropping my signature on a document that I didn’t know anything about”.

A Crack in Akeredolu’s Cabinet?

Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo state, has however alleged that the refusal of the commissioner for energy, Razaq Obe, and his counterpart in Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Akin Sowore, to sign the vote has further indicated a crack in the cabinet.

The party, in a release issued by its Publicity Secretary in the state, Kennedy Peretei, said the document vindicated its party that there was a division among Akeredolu’s cabinet members.

The party also alleged that governance in the state has been on a standstill. It particularly noted that no meaningful development and decision could be taken without Exco approval.

PDP said the action was synonymous to Akeredolu’s cabinet dancing naked in the market square, stressing that the days of Akeredolu’s government are numbered.

“Keen watchers of Ondo State politics may have been wondering how the State arrived at this sorry state of affairs. Where the ship of the state is just floating on the high sea, no captain, no direction and about to hit a dangerous cliff any time soon.

“While concerned opinion leaders in the state are still in the process of proffering solutions to the present political logjam, the State Executive Committee came up with a meaningless communique passing a vote of confidence on their boss whose whereabouts have been unknown for more than 65 days. As if to shred whatever was remaining of the Akeredolu administration, two State Commissioners ridiculed the purported communique as ‘senseless’ and of ‘no effect’.

“Last week, Babajide Akeredolu, the Governor’s heir apparent was seen in Oke-Ijebu area of Akure, inspecting government projects with the full compliment of the Governor’s convoy and security apparatus. Things have never been this bad in Ondo State. Who voted for Babajide as Governor, or his mother, Betty, both of whom have held the state by its jugular?

“Now that the State Executive Committee has decided to come and dance in the market place naked, it is clear the days of this government are numbered.”

Besides, the PDP had written to the state House of Assembly to set up a medical panel to investigate the state of fitness of the governor in line with the provisions of the constitution.

The House, however, rejected the call, saying it had confidence in the governor’s ability to govern the state despite his health challenges.

Baseless Attacks on Akeredolu

Reacting to the latest claims by the PDP, Director, Media and Publicity of APC in the state, Mr Steve Otaloro said PDP’s criticism was another example of its baseless attacks on Akeredolu’s government.

“The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State, expresses its disappointment with the uninformed criticism and negative vibes from PDP regarding the government projects and positions of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. It is disheartening to witness the PDP consistently disparage the achievements of Governor Akeredolu and his government, with their attacks being hopelessly wide of the mark.

“The latest criticism from the PDP regarding the State Executive Council’s resolution on Governor Akeredolu’s government is yet another example of baseless attacks. The resolution commended the Governor for his commitment to good governance, integrity, and his exemplary leadership, which has consistently motivated and inspired the council members to fulfill their duties to the state.

“The State Executive Council went on to highlight Governor Akeredolu’s leadership qualities, including his compassion, vision, commitment to development, progress, and the peaceful atmosphere in the state. This innocuous statement of appreciation was twisted by the PDP, who deemed it a meaningless communique that passed a vote of confidence on the Governor.

“It is important to note that the communique was supported by the majority of the cabinet members, with only two members abstaining from signing. The democratic principle of majority decision-making was upheld, allowing both the majority and minority views to be acknowledged.”

APC said it was pleased that even the PDP acknowledged the Director-General of Performance and Project Implementation Monitoring Unit, Mr Babajide Akeredolu, inspecting ongoing projects in the state capital, debunking their earlier claims that no projects were being executed.

“The inspection of government projects is a crucial aspect of ensuring diligent and timely delivery of contracts. It is commendable that the political leadership in the state is actively involved in monitoring these projects for the benefit of the people.”

The party commended the State Executive Council for their uprightness, transparency, and openness in their resolution, saying the party fully align with their thoughts on Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who deserves commendation for his dedication to bringing dividends of democracy to the people.

“We validate the State Executive Council’s resolution and pass an overwhelming vote of confidence on Governor Akeredolu and his cabinet members on behalf of the good people of Ondo State. We appreciate their tireless efforts in working for the overall good and interest of the state.”, the party added.

Unnecessary Vote of Confidence

A lawyer, Mr. Allen Sowore, however, commended the two Commissioners for their abstention, saying, it takes courage and patriotism to abstain and enlighten their colleagues that the vote of confidence was unnecessary.

He alleged that “the primary reason behind the vote of confidence seems to divert attention from the speculation that the governor may have left the country for further medical treatment. Reliable sources suggest he was initially admitted to a hospital in Lagos—Dutchess Hospital—to stabilize his condition before departure. His wife was unable to accompany him immediately as her passport had expired. She visited the Immigration Office at Alagbaka earlier in the week to renew it.

“Furthermore, the hasty passage of the vote of confidence in the Governor might also be linked to two court applications filed in the state High Court. These applications sought an order of Mandamus to compel the relevant authorities in the state to declare the governor incapacitated. Therefore, the Cabal attempted to preemptively secure the cabinet members’ support before the court ruling.

“In this rush, members of the Cabal unwittingly betrayed their intentions, revealing that they no longer seek the governor’s consent or discuss their plans with him. Those close to or working closely with Akeredolu would recognize that he would never request votes of confidence from traditional, religious, or ethnic leaders, let alone the Commissioners he appointed and who serve at his behest.”

Sowore added that, “All these desperate actions and maneuvers align with the circulating news that the governor has once again been flown to Germany. Yet, his aides are attempting to conceal this information. It has been 71 days since the governor’s return from a three-month medical vacation in Germany, and since then, he hasn’t set foot on Ondo state.

“The concern weighing heavily on the minds of numerous innocent citizens, who bear the burden of the complete absence of governance in the state, revolves around a pressing query: How much longer must we endure this situation? A handful of individuals, solely for personal gain, are holding the entire state hostage. How much longer can the state function without a leader?

“Again, for the two commissioners who stand for the state, henceforth, they shall be referred to as ” Àwon Omo Akin”, he added.

Akeredolu’s Absence has Left the State ‘Rudderless’

Another Legal practitioner, Benson Enikuemehin, believes that Akeredolu’s absence has left the State ‘rudderless’, calling on the state Assembly to hand over power to his embattled deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Enikuemehin who spoke on a national television said, “We pray Mr Akeredolu returns well. We demand that the needful be done in that the House of Assembly should be bold enough and say, ‘Mr Governor, you will come back but in the interim, the man you chose as your deputy, will be the one in the saddle’.

“The function of the office of the governor is enormous. It is tasking. It goes to confirm that the discharging of his function to the state is missing. If these functions are missing, then the state is losing.”

A Sheep Without Shepherd

While pressure continues to mount on the governor to return to the coastal state,  Barrister Benson Enikuomehin said Akeredolu’s absence has left the state like a sheep without a shepherd.

According to him: “Ondo State deserves to be governed well. As of now, we are like a sheep without a shepherd; rudderless.

“From the Eighth of September till date, no one except this Ali and the Angels group is seeing him. Nobody is seeing him. We can’t hear him. He cannot talk to us either by telephone or by conversation. If the governor is not present, did we vote for him to be a spiritual father who will be issuing orders from Rome? Of course not. He should be in Akure, the Ondo State.”

Aiyedatiwa’s Impeachment Saga

Meanwhile, the move by the state Assembly to impeach the state deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, suffered a setback as the Federal High Court also refused to grant Akeredolu’s request to asking it to vacate its 26 September interim order and strike out or dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

The judge, Emeka Nwite, said the court lacked jurisdiction to make such pronouncement and adjourned the suit indefinitely instead.

The judge said the adjournment was in view of the fact that the speaker and the state’s assembly had filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal in respect of the issue before him.

He also refused to grant Mr Akeredolu and the speaker’s request to strike out or dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction. The judge held that it would be wise for the court to adjourn the matter “sine die” (indefinitely) pending the outcome of the appeal in order to avoid judicial rascality.

Delivering the ruling last Friday, Justice Nwite agreed with Adegboruwa’s submission that the court cannot wrestle jurisdiction with the Appeal Court, including on the pending ruling that was supposed to be delivered on the arguments preferred by the parties on 16 October.

“From the foregoing reliefs, there is no gainsaying that the reliefs being sought in that appeal affect the jurisdiction of the court and are also the same reliefs being sought by the 3rd and 4th defendants in their applications.

“In view of the foregoing analysis, I am of the humble view and I so hold that the application of the plaintiff (Aiyedatiwa) is well founded and meritorious. “Consequently, the matter is hereby adjourned sine die.”