The prolonged political turmoil in Ondo State appears to have reached a resolution following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu. In a late-night meeting at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Friday, President Tinubu brokered a truce between warring factions, leading to significant pledges of peace and a commitment to maintain the status quo.
Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, a key figure in the conflict, expressed his commitment to unity and cooperation. He declared, “I put behind all that has happened before now. I’ve let go and also let God, just as the President has advised us.” Aiyedatiwa assured that he would carry all commissioners and officials along in the governance of Ondo State.
Addressing the media after nearly six hours of deliberations, Aiyedatiwa emphasized, “It is one big family and our father has intervened to bring all the children together to remain under the same family, and with the position that I occupy, I will carry every one of you along in every decision that needs to be taken.”
He called for mutual respect among members of the State Executive Council and pledged to work closely with the governor and the party structure to bring the dividends of democracy to the people of Ondo State.
The Speaker of the House, Oladiji Olamide, echoed the commitment to peace and maintaining the status quo. Reading the details of the resolution, Olamide stated, “Our resolution is that we shall embrace peace. Secondly, there would be no more dissolution of the cabinet, and the Deputy Governor would maintain status quo as far as the House of Assembly leadership is concerned.”
These resolutions follow an urgent appeal from Ondo State Elders and Leaders, who had called on President Tinubu to intervene and prevent a potential breakdown of law and order. The Elders urged discipline within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and requested the State House of Assembly to refrain from impeaching either the Governor or the Deputy Governor.
The political uncertainty in Ondo State escalated during the absence of Governor Akeredolu, who underwent medical treatment in Germany. Aiyedatiwa, the deputy governor, faced an impeachment process during Akeredolu’s absence, contributing to the tense political climate in the state.
In a related development, President Tinubu directed the withdrawal of police personnel from the premises of the Ondo State House of Assembly in Akure, further indicating a move towards de-escalation and resolution of the crisis.