By Ayodele Oni
The Ondo State Elders and Religious leaders have waded into the political crisis rocking the State in the last few months over the continued absence of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and the impeachment process against his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The State House of Assembly had forwarded a petition over an alleged gross misconduct against the Deputy Governor. Some groups have also called on the Assembly to impeach the Governor over his continued absence from the State.
The Elders and Leaders meeting, at the instance of Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, waa held at his Akure residence, and lasted for about four hours.
Those that attended the meeting include the Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji Abdulmalik Yayi-Akorede, the Archbishop of Ondo Diocese, Anglican Communion, Bishop Simeon Borokini, Chief Femi Aluko, Bashoun Seinde Arogbofa, and Olowa of Igbara-Oke, Oba Adefarakanmi Agbede.
Other are the Lisa and Prime Minister of Ondo Kingdom, Sir Simeon Oguntimehin, former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Dr Bakitta Bello, former Vice Chancellor of Oduduwa University, Ile-Ife, Prof Olu Aderonhumu, Organizing Secretary of Afenifere, Chief Kole Omololu, and Asae of Akure, Chief Sola Adegbonmire
Briefing the Media at the end of the meeting, Arogbofa, Oguntimehin, and Aderoumu asked the Assembly to make sure that the impeachment of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his Deputy did not see the light of the day.
Arogbofa said “The Elders’ meeting was summoned by the Afenifere leader and, by implication, the Yoruba leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, to discuss issues in our State.
“It is still ongoing; we just started the discussion about the problems happening in the State. Having looked at so many things, it was the conclusion of the Elders and Leaders of Ondo State that, for now, there should be no impeachment of either the Governor or the Deputy. We are still looking at how things are going. We still have a lot; we just started.”
He added that the Elders were yet to meet with the House of Assembly members but expressed the hope that the Lawmakers would honour the Elders in the State.
Arogbofa said “It will be strange for us to talk to them and for them to say no. One steps after the other. We would contact all stakeholders and fashion out ways of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the State.”
“Also speaking, the Lisa of Ondo Kingdom, Sir Simeon Oguntimehin said “In addition, the meeting has decided that no attempt should be made to impeach either the governor or his deputy. The meeting wants the rule of law to be adhered to without any problem.
“Efforts are still being made to ensure that peace reigns in the state. The Sun must continue to shine.”
On his part, Professor Olu-Aderounmu said “We want everybody to cooperate with the Elders. We mean well for this state. We particularly want the Ondo State House of Assembly to cooperate if called upon, by Baba Fasoranti and the Elders in the state.
“Some of the Elders participated in the creation of this state and they feel concerned and appeal to everybody to please cooperate.
“Ondo State used to be a leading state in the federation, whether you talk about education, even human and materials resources. We want to continue to be the first in the country.”
