The Ondo State House of Assembly is slated to convene a critical plenary session today to deliberate on the state’s political climate, focusing particularly on the executive arm following Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s prolonged absence due to health reasons.
Reports indicate that lawmakers plan to address the issue by potentially declaring the deputy governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as the acting governor amidst Governor Akeredolu’s continued recovery at his private residence in Ibadan, Oyo State’s capital.
However, internal disagreements among the lawmakers might result in absenteeism during today’s session, especially concerning the prospect of Aiyedatiwa assuming the role of acting governor. Nonetheless, the gathering has reportedly received approval from the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
An undisclosed source familiar with the matter mentioned, “The lawmakers are prepared to convene today. One of the primary agendas is to designate Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the acting governor. Although a few members may not participate due to their reservations about Aiyedatiwa’s interim appointment, the national leadership of the APC is aware and has sanctioned the meeting. Hence, they might declare Aiyedatiwa as acting governor today.”
Responding to inquiries, Mr. Olatunji Oshati, a lawmaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Information, acknowledged the scheduled meeting but refrained from confirming Aiyedatiwa’s potential appointment as acting governor.
He stated, “There is indeed such a plan, not necessarily to declare him (Aiyedatiwa) but the House will convene to discuss the political situation as directed by our national leaders. Although there’s a likelihood of the House making the declaration, it’s not definitive. I prefer not to speculate on the meeting’s outcome. Should it occur, you’ll be informed as well.”
In a related development, there are reports that President Bola Tinubu is expected to convene a meeting with Assembly members in Abuja today to address the persistent crisis.
