In recent weeks, the chorus calling for the resignation of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has reached a crescendo as the governor continues to oversee Ondo State affairs remotely from Ibadan, Oyo State.
Sources indicate that Governor Akeredolu has been situated in Ibadan since his return from a medical trip to Germany, leaving many in Ondo State to speculate that the state is effectively running on autopilot.
The governor, who left Nigeria on June 13, 2023, for medical treatment, spent approximately three months abroad before returning on September 9. During his absence, he informed the Ondo State House of Assembly of his 21-day leave, delegating authority to his deputy to act in his stead.
Upon his return, Governor Akeredolu has yet to set foot in Akure, the state capital, opting instead to stay at his personal residence in Ibadan. The First Lady, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, faces accusations of orchestrating the governor’s prolonged stay in power despite reported health concerns.
The political landscape in Ondo State has been turbulent since the governor’s return, with his loyalists actively seeking to remove the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for actions taken during Akeredolu’s absence.
Efforts to Impeach Deputy Governor
Aiyedatiwa is currently navigating a challenging political battle, with Akeredolu’s loyalists pushing for his removal. The deputy governor’s troubles began upon Akeredolu’s return, leading to the dismissal of all media aides in his office by the governor’s supporters in the State Assembly.
The governor’s loyalists listed 14 alleged offenses by Aiyedatiwa, including “gross misconduct, abuse of office likely to bring down Ondo State Government, financial recklessness, and publication in print media maligning the credibility of the Governor.”
Although the National Working Committee of the APC has intervened to slow down the impeachment proceedings, the deputy governor finds himself marginalized in the unfolding political drama.
Shift in Focus to Akeredolu’s Condition
Recent weeks have seen a shift in attention from the deputy governor to Governor Akeredolu himself. Ironically, Akeredolu, who was vocal about the need for President Umar Musa Yar’Adua to resign due to health concerns during his tenure as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, is now under scrutiny.
Steps to Declare Akeredolu Incapacitated
Kennedy Peretei, the National Publicity Secretary of the Ondo State PDP, has called for Akeredolu’s impeachment, citing a violation of the constitution. Peretei urged the Ondo State House of Assembly to initiate the impeachment process, alleging that the state has been on autopilot for nearly six months due to the governor’s reported ill health.
Legal experts argue that, in the case of health challenges, the power to declare the governor incapacitated lies with the commissioners. According to Section 189 of the 1999 constitution, 2/3 of the state executive council must pass a resolution declaring the governor incapable of discharging his duties.
Following this resolution, a panel, including the governor’s physician, must be set up to assess the governor’s health. If the panel determines that the governor is permanently incapable, the speaker of the House of Assembly must publish a notice of removal.
However, legal practitioners, such as Rasheed Bakare, suggest that the current law makes it challenging to remove a governor based on Section 189. Bakare notes that since the governor appoints the commissioners, it is unlikely they would recommend their boss’s removal.
Last week, 33 out of 35 State Executive Council members expressed confidence in the governor and declared loyalty to him, further complicating the prospects of an immediate change in leadership. There are indications that political stakeholders in the state may prefer to wait until the next election in November 2024 rather than pursue immediate action. The primary election is scheduled for April next year.