Group Asks Gov Aiyedatiwa To Appoint Deputy, Says 21 Days Vacuum Unconstitutional

By Ayodele Oni

Twenty one days after inauguration as executive governor, Ondo Redemption Front(ORF) has accused Lucky Aiyedatiwa of breaching sections of the constitution which created the office.

Aiyedatiwa became substantive governor of Ondo state on December 27 after the demise of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu following a protracted ailment.

Several political schemings have been going on over the choice of a deputy governor among intending candidates from central and northern senatorial districts of the state.

Aiyedatiwa is reported to have zeroed in on a serving commissioner from the Central, while pressure is mounting from groups in Owo, country home of late Akeredolu that the community should be compensated with the number two position.

At present, Aiyedatiwa is from the south, House of Assembly Speaker, central with the north vacant.

Another major consideration for the number two position is that the governor does not want anybody that will create unnecessary tension, which prompted the long delay.

Another expectation is that President Bola Tinubu will have a say about who occupies the number two position.

The Ondo Redemption Front however expressed  concern and disappointment over the continued delay by Governor Aiyedatiwa in appointing a deputy 21 days after assuming office.

ORF, in a statement by its chairman, Ologun Ayodeji noted that “The absence of a deputy governor in Ondo State is not only a dereliction of duty, but a direct violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The Constitution explicitly mandates the presence of a governor and a deputy governor for each state in the federation to ensure the smooth functioning of the government.

“This delay raises serious questions about the commitment of Governor Aiyedatiwa to uphold the constitutional principles that govern our democratic system.

“The Ondo Redemption Front insists that this oversight hampers effective governance, leaving the state vulnerable to potential challenges that may arise in the absence of a fully constituted leadership.

“The Ondo Redemption Front calls on Governor Aiyedatiwa to act swiftly in fulfilling this constitutional obligation by appointing a deputy governor without further delay.

“The people of Ondo State deserve a government that operates within the confines of the law and is dedicated to their welfare.

“We implore all relevant stakeholders, including the judiciary and the House of Assembly, to closely monitor and address this constitutional lapse, ensuring that the democratic principles enshrined in our Constitution are upheld for the collective well-being of the people of Ondo State.

“The Ondo Redemption Front remains committed to advocating for good governance, adherence to the rule of law, and the protection of democratic values in Ondo State and beyond.”