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  • Impeachment: Ondo commissioners pass vote of confidence on Akeredolu

    Impeachment: Ondo commissioners pass vote of confidence on Akeredolu

    Members of the Ondo State Executive Council on Thursday, November 16, passed a vote of confidence on Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    However, two of the commissioners, Rasaq Obe and Akogun Akinwumi Sowore, did not append their signatures to the vote of confidence.

    Obe, in a statement, said he would have signed if he had seen the document because he travelled to Lagos state.

    Sowore, on his part, said passing a vote of confidence by the cabinet members made no sense to him.

    He said: “The point is that I’m not around in the state. The vote passed by the members of the cabinet in the state in a situation like this does not count, because, in the first place, we are the appointees of Mr. Governor. We can’t even say that we don’t have confidence in him. Anybody who doesn’t have confidence in the government has to resign. By pushing a vote of confidence as far as I’m concerned does not make sense. We don’t have the power to remove the governor as a member of the cabinet.

    “So passing a vote of confidence on the Governor in the first place does not add anything to Mr. Governor. So it is the work of those desperate politicians in the state in order to create a crisis when there is no crisis.

    “I don’t have any issues with the governor, and he is our governor in the state. In fact, in the first place, they don’t allow the man to rest. There was no executive meeting, the governor is far away in Ibadan and the deputy is embattled far away in Abuja, so nobody to chair the executive meeting in the state.

    “Even if I’m around I will not have signed because I’m supposed to tell them what they are supposed to do. No excos meeting had been held except during the period of the Deputy governor was the acting Governor. But since the governor had resumed duty on 7th September 2023, no excos’ meeting had been held.”

    However, 31 other members of the exco who signed the vote of confidence, said it was in fulfilment of their dedicated responsibilities to advance the programs and policies of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s administration, encapsulated in the REDEEMED agenda.

    A statement issued by the commissioner described Governor Akeredolu as a blessing to the people of Ondo State as shown in the unwavering courage in leading the people of the Sunshine State towards prosperity and progress.

    It read: “As Mr. Governor’s foot soldiers, we take immense pride in being under his leadership Witnessing his dedication, sleepless nights, and commitment to protecting and serving the people of the state, despite numerous challenges in the past, is truly admirable. His leadership embodies compassion, vision, and commitment to development, progress, and peace

    “In Ondo State today, we are reaping the benefits of Mr. Governor’s courage. The Amotekun corps, a product of Mr. Governor’s determination, has become a celebrated innovation in the security architecture of the state and the Southwest in general. Since security is the primary objective of any government, the existence of Amotekun is a testament to Governor Akeredolu’s visionary leadership.

    Read Also: Akeredolu congratulates Uzodimma, Ododo

    “Popularly referred to as “Mr. Road” or “Mr. Infrastructure,” these appellations reflect the administration’s giant strides in infrastructural development. Since assuming office, Mr. Governor has demonstrated a clear passion and dedication to bridging infrastructural gaps in the state. Over the past six years, significant growth and progress in infrastructural development have been recorded, including the construction of two unprecedented flyovers.

    “Under the leadership of our amiable Governor, the government has taken a significant leap in the health sector. The construction of 250-bed ultra-modern teaching hospitals in Akure and Ondo respectively has reached an appreciable level. Mr. Governor has made substantial strides in the health sector, with the University of Medical Sciences in Ondo benefiting from the administration’s commitment to its development.

    “Therefore, we unanimously declare our unflinching trust in Mr. Governor and endorse his impactful leadership. As a united front, we remain steadfast in our support for Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, and pledge to continue working collaboratively towards the advancement and prosperity of the state. We express our gratitude to Mr. Governor for his selfless service and courageous leadership.”

  • Akeredolu congratulates Uzodimma, Ododo

    Akeredolu congratulates Uzodimma, Ododo

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has congratulated winners of the last Saturday’s off-cycle governorship elections in Kogi and Imo states, Usman Ododo in Kogi State and Senator Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Governor Akeredolu said the victories signified the people’s endorsement of their leadership as well as entrusting them with the responsibility of steering their respective states towards prosperity and progress.

    Read Also: Guber polls: Akeredolu congratulates Uzodinma, Ododo

    Akeredolu, in a statement, he personally signed, said the outcome of the elections affirmed the democratic gains and highlighted the ongoing improvements in the country’s electoral system.

  • Guber polls: Akeredolu congratulates Uzodinma, Ododo

    Guber polls: Akeredolu congratulates Uzodinma, Ododo

    Ondo state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has extended congratulations to the winners of last Saturday’s off-cycle governorship elections in Kogi and Imo States, Usman Ododo in Kogi state and Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Governor Akeredolu said the victories signified the people’s endorsement of their leadership as well as entrusting them with the responsibility of steering their respective states towards prosperity and progress.

    Akeredolu, in a statement, he personally signed, said the outcome of the elections affirmed the democratic gains and highlighted the ongoing improvements in the country’s electoral system.

    He said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). INEC’s commitment to improvement was evident in its performance during the Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa elections.

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    The Ondo governor hailed President Bola Tinubu for fostering a level playing field for all political parties.

    He said: “These elections, being the first under Mr. President’s current term, showcased a commitment to decent governance and credible electoral processes, representing a remarkable improvement.

    “Appreciation is also extended to the youth corps members (NYSC) who served as ad hoc staff and electoral officers. Their integrity and accountability in fulfilling this national duty exemplify true patriotism.

    “I congratulate our great party, the APC. The national leadership’s dedication to reinforcing and promoting our political ideologies, particularly under President Tinubu, has strengthened the party’s acceptability and resilience. Let these victories propel us forward in upcoming elections. We must also be ready to ensure that the people benefit from the gains of democracy.

    “These recent elections should serve as catalysts for further improvement. We remain united in nurturing our electoral process toward perfection. Democracy has triumphed once again.”

  • Impeachment: Ondo Court strikes out Akeredolu’s suit over record of appeal

    Impeachment: Ondo Court strikes out Akeredolu’s suit over record of appeal

    An Ondo State High Court has struck out the suit filed by the state government and governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu over the compilation of the record of appeal.

    The claimants had in the suit, dragged four registrars of the High Court, the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Ondo House of Assembly, Speaker of the Assembly, Olajide Olamide, and the Chief Judge of Ondo state, Justice Olusegun Odusola, claiming that the procedure of settlement and compilation of record of appeal for the hearing of the appeal filed by the deputy governor would infringe their rights.

    Justice D.I. Kolawole stuck out the case after the claimants applied to withdraw the suit, claiming that events had overtaken the suit.

    Counsel to the deputy governor, Ebun Adegboruwa, opposed the oral application to withdraw the suit.

    He contended that issues have been joined by filing a defence to the suit and also a counter-claim.

    Justice Kolawole, in his ruling, held that the rules of the Court permitted the claimants to withdraw the suit and it was accordingly struck out.

    Adegboruwa further urged the court to direct parties to maintain the status quo in order to preserve the subject matter of the suit pending before the court but the application was opposed by Femi Emodamori, Counsel to the House of Assembly.

    Ruling on the application, Justice Kolawole directed all the parties to continue to maintain the peace and adjourned the case to November 22, 2023, for hearing of applications.

  • Impeachment: Why Akeredolu rejected Aiyedatiwa’s apology

    Impeachment: Why Akeredolu rejected Aiyedatiwa’s apology

    Sketchy details have emerged on why Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu rejected the apology tendered by his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    A top government official said the apology tendered by Aiyedatiwa does not contain specific interest of conflict.

    The official said Aiyedatiwa failed to carry out proper underground lobbying and meeting specific stakeholders in the state before tendering the apology.

    It was gathered that Governor Akeredolu informed his inner circle that he was shocked to hear that Aiyedatiwa had apologised to him through a news conference.

    Another government official said Governor Akeredolu was earlier peeved that Aiyedatiwa travelled to Abuja without informing him and after he (Aiyedatiwa) returned to Akure, pictures flooded the social media of Aiyedatiwa in his office.

    The official said the reason Aiyedatiwa tendered the apology was because some Northern All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders he relied on to save him turned around to ask him to resign after they heard from Akeredolu.

    According to him, “when we heard about the news conference, we thought it was going to be in line with what Aiyedatiwa had told people that he was going to fight dirty, but he changed his mind when picture of ‘Aketi’ came out that he was not bedridden or not on wheel chair. That was the reason for the apology. He was clever by half.

    Read Also: Impeachment: Why Akeredolu rejected Aiyedatiwa’s apology – Sources

    “Nobody can point to anything he said in the apology tendered. Will the people not question the Assembly if they drop the investigation based on the apology?

    “Mr. Governor said he did not hear from Aiyedatiwa. Moreover, Aiyedatiwa made it looked like it was ‘Aketi’ that directed the Assembly to impeach him.

    “Aiyedatiwa would have made efforts to reach ‘Aketi’. He would have done his underground work, but suddenly we saw apology after seeing pictures of ‘Aketi’ alive.

    “Those people in Abuja he went to pledge loyalty to, told him to resign, but he did not tell his supporters what transpired.”

    Ondo State House of Assembly Speaker Olamide Oladiji has said last week’s apology by Aiyedatiwa to Akeredolu was not a concern of the Assembly.

    He said the apology was a personal issue between Aiyedatiwa and Akeredolu.

    Oladiji said the Assembly would continue with the impeachment process against Aiyedatiwa.

  • Impeachment: Why I apologised to Akeredolu, by Aiyedatiwa

    Impeachment: Why I apologised to Akeredolu, by Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo state deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has said that he tendered unreserved apology to his boss, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, due ‘to the embarrassment and discomfort that the political chaos of the past months has caused him and the good people of the state.’

    Aiyedatiwa said political contenders preparing for next year’s governorship election exploited situations in the state.

    He said the Sunshine State has witnessed a series of events triggered by the health challenges faced by the governor which he noted gave rise to lots of assumptions, falsehoods, insinuations, misunderstandings, misconceptions, and exploitation by political contenders preparing for the upcoming 2024 gubernatorial election in the state.

    Addressing journalists at his Alagbaka office, the deputy governor said he was saddened by the embarrassment and discomfort Governor Akeredolu faced due to the barrage of negative news in the State as a result of the events of the last few months.

    He said he has only met Governor Akeredolu twice since his (Akeredolu) return to the country and has not had the opportunity to state his side to properly brief the Governor on his stewardship as Acting Governor.

    Speaking on lessons to be learned from the crisis, Aiyedatiwa said he understood that loyalty pays.

    He stated that there could be misconceptions while working in a setting of human dynamics.

    Read Also: Supreme Court dismisses Obi’s appeal, affirms Tinubu’s election

    He stated: “You should remain stable. Irrespective of whatever is said, the truth will prevail when u remain stable committed, and loyal. Loyalty pays.

    “I tendered this reserved apology because of the embarrassment and discomforts he faces. The event has brought all kinds of negative news. He deserves the unreserved apology. I am at the centre. That is exactly what I am tendering this apology for.

    “We have continued to read in the media, all sorts of lies fabricated to create crisis just for the purpose of. The recent impeachment attempt by the Election House of Assembly and the ensuing reactions have further created division and chaos, with my loyalty to Mr. Governor being questioned.

    “It is, therefore, imperative for me to put on record that there has never been any issue between Mr. Governor and myself and I have never undermined him. Political actors have only taken advantage of his absence to create a non-existent crisis for their own selfish interests.

    “I am profoundly grateful to Mr Governor for his intervention and role in persuading the distinguished members of Ondo State House of Assembly to embrace the political solution offered by our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the face of the impeachment move.

    “It is in reference to all of the above that I tender my unreserved apologies to Mr governor for the embarrassment and discomfort that the political chaos of these past months has caused him and the good people of Ondo State.

    “I remain fully committed to the principles of good governance that Mr. Governor has established, and I pledge my unwavering loyalty to him and I will continue to submit myself under his able, courageous, and selfless leadership.

    He added: “I completely distance myself from any group or individuals holding protests or calling on the Governor to resign. I have never commissioned any individual or group to engage in such a protest or campaign.

    I wish to thank the national leadership of our great party, APC, for the intervention in the impeachment move against me while I also pledge my commitment to the reconciliation efforts aimed at restoring peace in the state.

    “I have a lot of respect for the Speaker, members of the House of Assembly, and members of the State Executive Council, and I do not hold any grudge. We must all work together for the smooth running of government.

    “I want to appeal to all political actors in the State to put an end to this needless crisis and allow peace so that we can all concentrate on the development of our dear State.”

  • BREAKING: Aiyedatiwa apologises to Akeredolu

    BREAKING: Aiyedatiwa apologises to Akeredolu

    Ondo Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has apologised to his boss, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    Aiyedatiwa, who is addressing a world press conference, called for an end to what he termed needless crisis in the State.

    He said he was saddened by the embarrassment and discomfort due to barrage of negative news over the crisis in the last few months.

    Read Also: Impeachment: Aiyedatiwa cautions Chief Judge against setting up panel

    The Deputy Governor said there were no issue between him and the Governor but political actors capitalised on his boss absence to create crisis for their selfish interest.

    He said he has met with Governor Akeredolu twice since he returned to the country but could not discuss in details.

    Details Shortly…

  • Akeredolu receives Sanwo-Olu, Makinde, Abiodun, Oyebanji

    Akeredolu receives Sanwo-Olu, Makinde, Abiodun, Oyebanji

    • Aiyedatiwa writes chief judge

    Anxiety over the health status of Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu fizzled out yesterday.

     The governor received at his Ibadan residence four of his Southwest colleagues, who were on a goodwill visit to him.

    Wearing a light purple dress (Buba and Sokoto), with his trademark cap to match, Akeredolu was in high spirits as he exchanged banters with the visitors.

    The governors – Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos  State), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo) –  reviewed the state of the nation with their host, who is the chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum.

    They discussed security and peace of the geo-political zone.

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke was absent.

    The visit, according to a source, was at the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had expressed concern over the reports on Akeredolu’s health.

    It was Akeredolu’s first public appearance since his  return from medical leave in Germany on September 7.

    The governor has been operating from Ibadan, where he signed the bill on the creation of local council development areas.

    Although reporters were not allowed into the Akeredolu residence in Ibadan, where he hosted his colleagues, sources at the meeting indicated that the visitors were happy with the way they met the Ondo State governor.

    A source said: “The governors were happy that Akeredolu is now recuperating speedily and also gaining weight as against the image that was seen when he arrived from his medical vacation.”

    An elated Akeredolu thanked his colleagues for their solidarity.

    Read Also: N3.4b debt: Court queries competence of Makinde’s appeal

    He spoke on continuous collaboration and sustenance of the spirit of regional brotherhood among Southwest states.

     Makinde was quoted as saying that  Southwest Governors’ Forum would intensify its prayer for speedy recovery for Akeredolu, assuring that he has the support of the region.

    There have been some protests in Akure in the last two weeks, by some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters, seeking the whereabouts of the governor.

    Also, there were insinuations that Akeredolu had  become incapacitated.

    In the governor’s absence, the rift between his deputy, Lucky Ayedatiwa, and the House of Assembly over allegations of gross misconduct deepened.

    Although the APC National Working Committee (NWC), had intervened in the crisis and brokered truce, the reconciliation broke down, following Ayedatiwa’s refusal to withdraw the case against the lawmakers from court.

    Supporters of Akeredolu have alleged that the deputy governor was behind the protests, press conference and rallies by people calling  for the governor’s resignation.

    Ayedatiwa to Chief Judge: Don’t set up impeachment panel

    In a frantic move to avert impeachment, the embattled deputy governor urged the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusola Odusola,  to ignore the request of the lawmakers  for the setting up of a seven-man panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against him.

    Also, a group of lawyers of Ondo State origin, who are against Aiyedatiwa’s impeachment, said Akeredolu should declare his health status.

    Ayedatiwa, in a seven-page letter of October 24, 2023 by his counsel, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN),  to the Chief Judge, denied  that the injunction granted by the Federal High Court, Abuja, had expired.

    He said the Assembly’s  letter to Justice Odusola that the panel should be constituted was based on conjectures, misconceptions, inconsistencies, undue desperation and misconstruction of the law. He maintained that the orders granted by the Federal High Court, Abuja on September 26  were still in force, adding that they are valid and subsisting, contrary to the erroneous conclusion of the Assembly that they have expired.

    Ayedatiwa stressed that the order of the court should last till the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction, which is still pending before the Court.

    He pointed out that based on the  proceedings of the Federal High Court, Abuja on October  9 and 16, the order has not been set aside.

    The deputy governor chided the Assembly for inconsistency, saying that the lawmakers who claimed the order had expired are also on appeal in court.

    He queried: “If it is true that the orders expired by operation of law on 18th October 2023 as being falsely canvassed, why would the same House of Assembly file a fresh application two days later, in pursuit of its desire to set aside the said orders that it claimed had expired?”

    Ayedatiwa urged the Chief Judge to stick to his principled position as stated in his letter to the Assembly on October 3 that all parties should await the hearing of the cases in court.

    He said nothing has changed to warrant a departure from the stand of the chief judge.

    Lawyers to Akeredolu: declare your health status

    The lawyers, Joshua Sebiotimo, I. I.  Bewaji, Myson Nejo, Vincent Adodo, Kehinde Olowe, Abayomi Olahanmi, Michael Ojimba, Oluwaseun Bawa, Adeyoriju Omowole and Victoria Lipo, asked Akeredoku to declare his health status.

    They said the governor should organise a press conference to declare his fitness.

    In their letter to Ayedatiwa, Secretary to Government and other members of the Ondo State Executive Council, the lawyers said Akeredolu has not resumed office in Akure, the state capital, since he returned from medical vacation in Germany.

    They added: “Since the governor had failed to address the people, the exco should declare pursuant to Section 189 (1) of the 1999 Constitution that he was incapacitated and unable to perform the functions of his office.”

  • Akeredolu shocks critics, appears in public

    Akeredolu shocks critics, appears in public

    Ondo State Governor and Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on Tuesday, October 24, shocked his critics, who claimed he has been incapacitated.

    Governor Akeredolu appeared in public at a meeting with governors from the region to discuss issues of interest.

    Other governors present at the meeting, according to pictures and statement released by Akeredolu’s spokesman, Richard Olatunde, were Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Prince Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Engr. Seyi Makinde of Oyo, and Mr. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti.

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    It was gathered that Governor Akeredolu appreciated his colleague governors for their solidarity and harped on continuous collaboration among the Southwest States.

    At the meeting, the southwest governors were said to have discussed national and other Issues affecting the region and the people.

  • PHOTOS: South-West Govs visit Akeredolu in Ibadan

    PHOTOS: South-West Govs visit Akeredolu in Ibadan