The Presidency has officially declared that Rotimi Akeredolu remains the Governor of Ondo State, putting an end to months-long factional disputes between supporters of Akeredolu and his Deputy, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The announcement was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement released on Saturday.
The clarification became necessary as there were speculations that President Bola Tinubu might have directed state lawmakers to declare Aiyedatiwa as the acting governor under the doctrine of necessity. However, the statement from the Presidency emphasized that Akeredolu continues to hold the position of the governor.
The resolution of the crisis was achieved after extensive negotiations involving President Tinubu, the Deputy Governor, representatives of Governor Akeredolu, federal and state lawmakers from Ondo, officials of the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter, and other key stakeholders. The discussions took place at the State House in Abuja and lasted late into Friday night.
The statement affirmed, “Governor Akeredolu remains the 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.”
The successful resolution and commitment to peace have brought an end to the internal political turmoil, emphasizing the importance of unity and stability in the governance of Ondo State.