Nine prominent Ondo indigenes to CJ: Compel cabinet to ascertain Akeredolu’s capacity to govern

Nine indigenes of Ondo state have written a letter to Olusegun Odusola, chief judge of the state, on the health status of Rotimi Akeredolu.

In the letter, the indigenes asked the CJ to compel the cabinet members to invoke section 189 of the 1999 constitution (as amended) on Akeredolu, the state governor.

Section 189 (1) of the constitution states that: “The Governor or Deputy Governor of a State shall cease to hold office if:

“a. by a resolution passed by two-thirds majority of all members of the executive council of the State, it is declared that the Governor or Deputy Governor is incapable of discharging the functions of his office; and

“b. the declaration in paragraph (a) of this subsection is verified, after such medical examination as may be necessary, by a medical panel established under subsection (4) of this section in its report to the speaker of the House of Assembly.”

The letter was signed by Gbenga Sesan, Yemi Adamolekun, Ademola Adesida, Feyi Fawehinmi, Japhet Omojuwa, Kayode Ogundamisi, Omokunbi Adeoti, Omolara Gbonigi, and Omoyele Sowore.

BACKGROUND

Akeredolu returned to Nigeria in the first week of September after a three-month medical leave in Germany.

The governor, who landed in Ibadan, the Oyo capital, has since been working from the state.

The absence of Akeredolu from Ondo has become a source of concern to many stakeholders within and outside the state.

Amid the absence of the governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, deputy governor, is facing an impeachment process initiated by the Ondo house of assembly over allegations of gross misconduct.

On Friday, President Bola Tinubu waded into the rift between Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa, while asking the parties to embrace peace.

‘GOVERNANCE HAS BEEN COMPLETELY PARALYSED IN ONDO’

The indigenes said since the absence of Akeredolu, governance in the state has been “completely paralysed” and that the leadership formed by the governor has shown inability to govern.

“We call on your Lordship to act in your capacity as the leader of the third arm of government, with independent powers to enforce the law of the land to compel the Ondo State EXCO to act in line with Section 189 of the constitution and request that the speaker of the state house of assembly constitute a medical panel to ascertain Mr Akeredolu’s capacity to govern,” the indigenes said.

“We have given Mr Akeredolu two months since his return in September 2023, to do the same thing he asked former President Yar’Adua to do in 2010.

“Since he has failed to act accordingly, we ask your Lordship to act immediately to forestall further crisis in the state.”