Agroup, Ilaje Development Summit Group (IDSG) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the crisis between Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and his deputy, Lucky Ayedatiwa.
It also called for respect for constitutional rights and democratic values in Ondo State.
The group also said state governance should not be reduced to family affairs, urging the state government to draw a line.
Ondo State has been embroiled in a political crisis that has ignited concerns about the sanctity of constitutional offices, democratic values, and the need for urgent national intervention.
The clash between Akeredolu and Ayedatiwa, has prompted both public outcry and legal action, raising critical questions about the state’s governance and democracy in Nigeria.
The dispute in Ondo State revolves around the strained relationship between Governor Akeredolu and his Deputy, Hon. Lucky Ayedatiwa.
According to the group, this turmoil has not only threatened the stability of the state, but also the democratic ideals for which Nigeria has tirelessly strived over the years. As the crisis deepened, several crucial developments took place, prompting concerned organizations and legal actions to address the issue.
The possibility of amicable resolution of the feud seems to be ebbing as the Ondo State House of Assembly has begun the impeachment process against the Deputy Governor.
But, in a swift reaction, Aiyedatiwa has approached the State’s High Court for adjudication. He is seeking the court’s order to stop the legislators from continuing on the impeachment process.
In a statement, IDSG, which raised constitutional breach in the impeachment process said: “What is going on in Ondo State as regards the office of the Deputy Governor is a breach of the constitutional rights and democratic values
“The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the honor, respect, rights, and privileges that come with the office, and these must be upheld.
“The Deputy Governor Ayedatiwa has been very supportive to his principal and those working to discourage or impede the Deputy Governor, who was elected to serve the people of Ondo State, are unpatriotic.”
But, the group, who said it was not abnormal for two people to have misunderstanding, said maturity, tolerance and love for the people whom they are to serve should make political gladiators to seek for peace.
Hence, it called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene to prevent a complete breakdown of law and order in Ondo State.
The group highlights the ongoing political unrest, including the alleged frustration of Deputy Governor Ayedatiwa’s constitutional rights during Governor Akeredolu’s medical leave.
The IDSG expresses concerns about the curtailment of the Deputy Governor’s constitutional responsibilities and the undue influence exerted by unelected family members and cronies of Governor Akeredolu.
The group said: “Akeredolu and Ayedatiwa had a joint ticket but Betty Akeredolu’s intrusion into the governance and life of Ondo State people is most appalling and detestable.
“We had Mimiko’s, Agagu, Adefarati’s families before her. No wife, no children’s intrusion.
“In Lagos, there was Tinubu, Fashola, Ambode and even Sanwo-Olu families. In Ogun, Daniel, Amosun and even Dapo Abiodun kept their families away from governance. What sort of government is Aketi practicing?”
It called on President Tinubu to use his influence to rectify the situation and prevent chaos.
“We the Ilaje people, who are from the oil-producing region of Ondo State, have been advocating for development and recognition.
“While we have conceded other political positions, we are determined to secure the governorship, given their sacrifices for the state and the nation.
“We shall to employ all legitimate means to resist any attempt to shortchange them in the political process.
In a suit to protect his constitutional rights and priviledges, Aiyedatiwa initiated a legal action.
According to the suit at the High Court in Akure, he seeks a declaration that the House of Assembly is not competent to proceed with his impeachment, as it would constitute a breach of his constitutional and fundamental rights to fair hearing.
He is also challenging the sacking of his media aides and being subjected to the Ministry of Information, led by a Commissioner, arguing that it amounts to a breach of his rights and privileges as Deputy Governor.
Aiyedatiwa, who expressed concerns about the impeachment process, alleged that the House of Assembly’s conduct so far suggests a likelihood of bias against him.
He accused the House of Assembly of conducting media trials against him without serving him with any notice of gross misconduct, effectively acting as accuser, investigator, prosecutor, and judge.
In his legal action, Aiyedatiwa seeks an order of injunction to stop the House of Assembly from initiating, continuing, or proceeding with the process of his removal from office.
He is also seeking an order to prevent the Chief Judge of Ondo State from accepting or acting upon any request from the House of Assembly to set up a panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against him.
The suit, filed by human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, named several defendants, including the Ondo State Government, the Governor of Ondo State, Ondo State House of Assembly, Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Clerk of Ondo State House of Assembly, and Chief Judge of Ondo State.
It was alleged that despite multiple attempts to serve court processes in the House of Assembly, access was denied by the police at the gate, hampering the legal proceedings.
Summarily, Aiyedatiwa’s legal action seeks various declarations and injunctions to protect his constitutional rights, privileges, and his position as Deputy Governor of Ondo State.
He emphasizes the need for fair hearing and challenges the House of Assembly’s actions, alleging bias and constitutional violations.
The legal battle unfolds as Ondo State grapples with a political crisis that has sparked concerns about constitutional respect, democratic values, and the need for national intervention.
“The political turmoil in Ondo State raises important questions about the respect for constitutional offices and the need for national intervention to prevent a complete breakdown of law and order”, the statement from IDSG read.
The IDSG and Ilaje people emphasize the importance of upholding democratic values and constitutional rights in Nigeria.The Ilaje people continue their struggle for recognition, underscoring the importance of upholding democratic values and constitutional rights in Nigeria. They call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act swiftly to resolve the crisis and safeguard the state’s democracy.
