In his bid to restore political stability in Ondo State, President BOLA TINUBU, late on Friday, waded into the months-long crisis between factions loyal to the Executive Governor, ROTIMI AKEREDOLU, and the Deputy Governor, LUCKY AIYEDATIWA.
This followed marathon negotiations between the President and the Deputy Governor, representatives of Governor AKEREDOLU, federal and state lawmakers of Ondo, officials of the state’s chapter of the All Progressives’ Congress, and other stakeholders in the state at the State House, Abuja.
The President advised all opposing parties to bury the hatchet and embrace peace, eliciting commitments to this effect.
This means that Governor AKEREDOLU remains Chief Executive of the State, AIYEDATIWA remains Deputy Governor, and members of the State Executive Council continue their respective duties, even as the leadership of the State’s House of Assembly and the APC Chapter in Ondo State is preserved.
AIYEDATIWA, who declared his decision to maintain the status quo and unite all the factions, pledged to embrace peace and put behind all that has happened before now.
He pleaded with all members of the State Executive Council to rally around the Governor and himself to “bring the dividend of democracy” to the people of Ondo State.
The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. OLADIJI OLAMIDE, who read the details of the resolution, said, “Our resolution is that one, we shall embrace peace. Secondly, there would be no more dissolution of the cabinet, and the Deputy Governor would maintain the status quo as far as the House of Assembly leadership is concerned.
On her part, the Secretary to the State Government, Princess OLADUNNI ODU, stated, “Our Father, the President, has taken the trouble to settle our rancour in Ondo State. We owe you all the gratitude, Sir. We will not disappoint you. We have taken every word you said. And we are going home as one united family under the party, APC.”
In his remarks, the Ondo State APC Chairman, ADE ADETIMEHIN , expressed delight at the outcome of Friday’s late night deliberations, affirming that the party will remain a watchdog to ensure that the new commitments are adhered to.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale