Naijahood
Over the past few weeks, there has been a growing demand for the resignation of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu as he continues to govern Ondo State remotely from Ibadan in Oyo State.
Governor Akeredolu has been residing in Ibadan since his return from a medical trip to Germany, and concerns have risen about the perceived lack of active governance in Ondo State during this period.
Akeredolu left Nigeria on June 13, 2023, for medical treatment in Germany, returning on September 9 after approximately three months. Before his departure, he had informed the Ondo State House of Assembly of a 21-day leave, during which he delegated power to his deputy to act as governor.
However, upon his return, the governor has not visited the state capital, Akure, choosing instead to stay at his personal residence in Ibadan. There are allegations that the First Lady, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, is influencing the governor’s continued stay in power despite reported health issues.
The political landscape in Ondo State has been tumultuous since the governor’s return, with efforts to impeach the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The deputy governor has faced challenges, including the dismissal of media aides and accusations of various offenses by loyalists of Governor Akeredolu in the State Assembly.
Despite intervention attempts by the National Working Committee of the APC, the move to impeach the deputy governor has persisted, though attention has recently shifted back to Governor Akeredolu.
Calls for the governor’s resignation have intensified, with the Ondo State PDP urging the State House of Assembly to initiate the impeachment process, citing a violation of the constitution. Legal experts explain that the constitution requires the commissioners to initiate the process by declaring the governor incapacitated.
Section 189 of the 1999 constitution outlines the steps, including a resolution by two-thirds of the executive council, the formation of a medical panel, and publication of the panel’s findings. However, skepticism exists about the feasibility of this process, as commissioners appointed by the governor may be reluctant to recommend his removal.
Despite these challenges, 33 out of 35 State Executive Council members recently expressed confidence in Governor Akeredolu, signaling a reluctance to take action against him. Some political observers suggest that the state may opt to wait for the next election in November 2024 rather than pursuing immediate changes. The primary election is scheduled for April next year.
