Afenifere: Akeredolu’s Absence Has Caused Lack of Sustained Good Governance in Ondo

•Writes Tinubu, Ganduje for urgent intervention

Fidelis David in Akure

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, yesterday, expressed worry that the long absence of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu from Ondo State has caused lack of sustained good governance in the state.

The leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and other prominent elders in the state called on President Bola Tinubu and National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdulahi Ganduje, to urgently intervene to end the current constitutional crisis in the state and avoid a looming breakdown of law and order.

In a communique issued after an emergency meeting of Ondo State elders and leaders, signed by the convener, Fasoranti, and the secretary, Bakkita Bello, they reiterated that Akeredolu’s absence had adversely affected governance in the state.

The elders added that the governor’s absence and non-active participation of Ondo State in national affairs due to the lingering crisis must be put to an end.

The communique read, “The elder statesmen called for prayers for the improved health of the governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, MFR. The elders noted that without doubt his absence has caused a lack of sustained good governance in the state.

“There should be no impeachment of the governor or the deputy governor by the House of Assembly. All unelected persons should allow the three arms of government to find lasting solution to the current crisis. The rule of law should be followed by all stakeholders, as enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution.”

The leaders emphasised the need for the national ruling party and the executive arm of government to nip the matter in the bud, as an escalation of the crisis would be catastrophic.

“The elders also called on the state/national leadership of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, to provide the required guide to those in government as well as ensure discipline amongst their fold,” the communique added.

The leaders noted that the misinformation of the governor and lack of communication between him and his deputy had resulted in the inability of the deputy to perform constitutional duties on the governor’s behalf for the good governance of the state.

The communique said, “Reconciliation efforts initiated by Papa Reuben Fasoranti, Oba Olu Falae, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, Chiefs Femi Aluko, Korede Duyile, and Professor Olu Aderounmu that were started two months ago and been continuously vigorously pursued by elders/leaders, spiritual and royal fathers in the state should be concluded with a view to allowing true rapprochement and enduring good governance thrive in the state.

“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is hereby passionately called upon to intervene and end the present constitutional crisis in the state, to avoid the looming breakdown of law and order in Ondo State.”

In addition, the leaders said the current utter disrespect for the rule of law in Ondo State, where self-serving persons had taken over the government without due regard to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was unacceptable.