By Ayodele Oni
Rising from another round of their meeting in Akure, elders of thought including religious and traditional rulers have called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the unending political logjam in the State.
The elders believe that the crisis occasioned by the ailment of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and move by the State House of Assembly to impeach the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has crippled governance in the state.
“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is hereby passionately called upon to intervene and end the present constitutional crisis in the state, to avoid the looming breakdown of Law and Order in Ondo State,” the elders concluded in a letter to the president, signed by Pa Reuben Fasoranti and a former speaker in the state assembly, Bakkita Bello.
Other resolutions at the meeting are that “The Convener, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, OFR, AFENIFERE NATIONAL/GLOBAL LEADER, is appreciated for his unrelenting selfless efforts in ensuring peace, sustainable democracy, Rule of Law, growth and development in ONDO STATE and Nigeria, even in his ripe old age.
“The Elder Statesmen called for prayers for the improved health of the Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, MFR. The Elders noted that without doubt his absence has caused a lack of sustained good governance in the State.
“There should be NO impeachment of the Governor nor the Deputy Governor by the House of Assembly. All unelected persons should allow the three arms of government to find lasting solution to the current crisis. The rule of law should be followed by all stakeholders as enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution.
‘The Elders also call on the State/National Leadership of the Ruling Party, the All Progressives Congress, to provide the required guide to those in Government as well as ensure discipline amongst their fold.
“Conciliation efforts initiated by Papa Reuben Fasoranti, Oba Olu Falae, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, Chiefs Femi Aluko, Korede Duyile and Professor Olu Aderounmu, that were started two months ago and been continuously vigorously pursued by Elders/Leaders, Spiritual and Royal Fathers in the State, should be concluded with a view to allowing true rapprochement and enduring good governance thrive in the State.”
Apart from constitutional crisis, the elders observed that continued absence of Governor Akeredolu has resulted into “Apparent confusion and helplessness of Civil/Public Servants in the State in the absence of appropriate and clearly delineated directives.
“Feeling of hopelessness of the citizens of Ondo State in not enjoying continually, the expected dividends of democracy and good governance.
Current utter disrespect for the Rule of Law in Ondo State whereby self-serving persons have taken over the government without due regard to the Constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria.
“Absence and non-active participation of Ondo State in National affairs due to the lingering crisis.
Foreseeable problems of late preparation of the 2024 Budget by the Executive Arm for the customary timely presentation to the State House of Assembly.”
