Amidst the prolonged crisis between factions aligned with Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), and his Deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Presidency has affirmed Akeredolu’s continued governorship in the state. This confirmation was issued in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Saturday.
The announcement follows speculation that President Bola Tinubu had directed state lawmakers to invoke the doctrine of necessity and declare Aiyedatiwa as the acting governor. Reports earlier indicated that, after extensive deliberations between the President and state officials, including members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who gathered at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja until late on Friday night, the deputy governor, lawmakers, and other stakeholders committed to maintaining the status quo in a bid for peace.
The statement by Ngelale clarified, “In his effort to restore political stability in Ondo State, President Bola Tinubu, late on Friday, intervened in the months-long crisis between factions loyal to the Executive Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, and the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.”
Following prolonged negotiations, the President urged all parties to reconcile and embrace peace, securing commitments to this effect. Ngelale affirmed, “This means that 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.”