The post-defection war against Ondo State Deputy Governor Ali Olanusi by Governor Olusegun Mimiko heightened yesterday.
Over 200 youths marched on major streets in Akure, the state capital, to protest against the deputy governor’s stay in office.
Olanusi recently defected from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The youth, under the aegis of Concerned Ondo State Youths (COSY), said either Olanusi resigns or he is impeached by the House of Assembly.
Led by their Chairman, Akintunde Lawal, the protesting youths marched to the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure, where the Chief of Staff (CoS) to the Governor, Dr Kola Ademujimi, addressed them.
Lawal said the deputy governor was over ambitious hence his defection to the APC.
“Olanusi had thought that the APC will have the majority in the House of Assembly. So that he can impeach Mimiko and assume office as the governor.
“Olanusi had planned how he would succeed Mimiko through impeachment if members of the APC dominate the next Assembly.
“He has left the PDP, so there is no point remaining in office as the deputy governor.
“His defection is the ground for our protest and we would continue to protest, until he resigns or is impeached.”
Lawal said Olanusi’s action caused the breach of peace that the state has been enjoying in the last six years.
Addressing the protesters, who carried placards, Ademujimi praised the youth for the peaceful nature of their protest and urged them to remain peaceful.
He said the peace in the state should be cherished by the youth, just as he called on the people to embrace peace.
“The interest of the state should be allowed to take preference over personal interests,” he said.