In a bid to quell the prolonged crisis between factions supporting Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and his Deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Presidency has clarified that Akeredolu maintains his position as the state’s governor.
This assertion emerged following intense deliberations spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu, as contained in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Saturday.
Amid circulating speculations suggesting President Tinubu’s directive to state lawmakers to invoke the doctrine of necessity and install Ayedatiwa as acting governor, recent events indicate a turn towards resolution.
The deputy governor, alongside lawmakers and other involved parties, expressed a commitment to maintain the existing status quo after prolonged discussions that lasted late into Friday night at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The statement from the Presidency reaffirmed Akeredolu’s standing as the governor, stating,
“In his efforts to restore political stability in Ondo State, President Bola Tinubu intervened in the prolonged crisis between factions loyal to the Executive Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, and the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.”
The Presidency’s address clarified the standing of key officials in the state’s administration, ensuring the continuity of roles within the state’s governance structure, emphasizing the sustained roles of Governor Akeredolu, Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa, the State Executive Council, the House of Assembly leadership, and the Ondo State APC Chapter.
