Now That Akeredolu Is Dead

By Ayodele Oni

With the exit of Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu from governance of Ondo state, occasioned by his death, the first major effect of this  will be on governance of the state. Sack of some appointees and appointment of new ones will dominate the political landscape of the state in the New Year.

New friends, errand boys of the administration will surface. Definitely, a new song will emerge in the Sunshine State in the new year. There will be a new dawn.

Akeredolu had transmitted power to the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa about few days ago, following intervention by President Bola Tinubu that waded into the political crisis caused by the long absence of Akeredolu, who was battling to save his life.

Upon his return from first medical trip which lasted for three months in September, he had written to the State House of Assembly informing the lawmakers of his return and preparedness to resume duty.

Temporarily the seat of Government of Ondo State was shifted to Ibadan, Oyo state capital where the Governor had berthed upon his return from Germany.

But suddenly the Assembly wrote the Deputy Governor to come and defend himself against some impeachable offences and before you know it, the focus was shifted from Akeredolu that was ruling the state from Ibadan to Aiyedatiwa that was running from Court to Court to stall the impeachment move against.

During this period, he was rendered to Mr nobody as functions of the Governor he is deputizing were taken over by aides and family members. Some political appointees, are no longer loyal to him and are going behind him to compel the assembly to remove him.

The Presidency and leadership of APC intervened after a clarion call by some elders in the state led by Pa Reuben Fasoranti and succeeded a little to douse the tension.

With the turn of events, Aiyedatiwa is cruising to the Alagbaka Government house as substantive Governor of Ondo State after his confirmation by the assembly. His antagonists now have an option to resign honourably or wait till they will be booted out of office since the new governor will have to assemble his new set of aides.

Aiyedatiwa is expected to complete the second term tenure of Akeredolu which ends in February, 2025. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already fixed a date for the election which comes up third quarter of next year. Aiyedatiwa will superintend over all processes that will lead to the election including conducting party primary.

From the zoning arrangement on ground in the state, the southern senatorial district, from where Aiyedatiwa hails from, is expected to produce governor. Succession issue has been identified to be one of the reasons behind the crisis which almost consumed the acting governor. His handling of the latest development is bound to really expose his competence.