Differing accounts surround the aftermath of President Bola Tinubu’s meeting with members of the Ondo State House of Assembly and other stakeholders to address the persistent political crisis in the state.
President Tinubu engaged with the leadership of the Assembly and the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state at the State House, Abuja, late on Friday, aiming to find a resolution to the ongoing crisis.
The conflict between Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and his deputy originated when the governor returned from a medical vacation in Germany.
Subsequently, the state House of Assembly initiated an impeachment process against the deputy governor over allegations of gross misconduct.
This development led to divisions within the Assembly, the state Executive Council, and the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress. The meeting with President Tinubu aimed to address these divisions, seeking a harmonious resolution.
According to reports, all parties in the meeting agreed that the status quo should remain, meaning Governor Akeredolu would continue in his role, Aiyedatiwa would remain the deputy governor, and there would be no impeachment.
Additional resolutions included maintaining the unity of the House of Assembly, keeping the state Executive Council intact without member removals, and preserving the party executive.
The House spokesman, Mr. Olatunji Oshati, expressed gratitude for the President’s intervention, stating that the resolution is a win-win situation for all.
He emphasized the importance of peace and urged the people to resume their normal activities.
Similarly, the state party chairman, Mr. Ade Adetimehin, declared the crisis over, attributing its resolution to the President’s intervention. When asked about the specifics, Adetimehin mentioned it as a party matter that would be internally resolved.
However, the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party remains unconvinced, asserting that President Tinubu’s intervention cannot fully resolve the crisis.
The opposition party views the meeting as superficial, emphasizing the need for Governor Akeredolu’s return for a meaningful resolution.
Meanwhile, an Ondo State All Progressives Congress pressure group, Ondo Solidarity Forum, praised Tinubu’s intervention in a communique.
The group expressed vindication in its stance that Aiyedatiwa should continue as acting governor during Akeredolu’s absence, attributing the crisis to individuals within the state cabinet aiming to succeed Akeredolu.
