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Ondo Commissioners and EXCO Members Gripped by Fear of Dissolution in 2024

Ondo Commissioners and EXCO Members Gripped by Fear of Dissolution in 2024

Commissioners and other members of the Ondo state Executive Council are currently experiencing a deep sense of fear as they anticipate being dismissed from their positions.

This apprehension stems from the political division within the council, which has intensified in the run-up to next year’s election, as well as concerns regarding Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s incapacitation.

According to a reliable source within the government, it has been revealed that the governor has made the firm decision to dissolve the cabinet upon his return from receiving medical treatment overseas. Governor Akeredolu departed Nigeria a week ago for his medical treatment and is expected to come back within the next two weeks, as Vanguard’s investigations have indicated.

Governor Akeredolu, left Nigeria a week ago for medical treatment abroad and he’s expected back in the next two weeks, according to vanguard findings.

A source said that “the only way out now is to dissolve the state executive council because there is no more synergy. It has been polarized by the ambition of members.

 “Members have pitched their tents with the members that have showed interest in succeeding the governor, while others are still loyal and praying for the safe return of the governor from his medical trip.

“The ambition of some council members have worsen the situation. They’ve decided to use the present situation of the governors incapacitation and absence to lobby other council members to their side.

“It’s rather unfortunate that in politics there is no permanent friends but permanent interest. They’re not even concerned about the health of their principal.

“It is how to succeed him that they’re now after not that he should be back hale and hearty.

 “Many of the EXCO members have abandoned office, they’ve been engaging in nurctunal political meeting within and outside the state.

“Many of those who were believed to be loyal to the governor have reportedly shifted ground for fear of the unknown and to be relevant in the next dispensation.

“Those that have shifted ground believe that the governor would not be able to continue in office because of his sickness and may resign.

 “They’re playing God. But the governor will soon return by the grace of God. Their fate would be decided when he comes back.

According to Vanguard’s information, influential leaders within the ruling party have advised Governor Akeredolu to dissolve the cabinet due to the conspiracy and division arising from the governorship aspirations of certain members. This recommendation has gained the support of the party’s leadership in the state, as they believe it will restore order to the governance of Ondo.

In the midst of these developments, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the state has urged Governor Akeredolu to temporarily hand over power to his deputy until he fully recovers and is capable of effectively managing state affairs. The SDP has previously expressed concern about the lack of transparency surrounding the governor’s health condition. The party finds the silence from both the governor’s camp and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state worrisome and unsettling.

Stephen Adewale, the chairman of the SDP in Ondo, released a statement in the state capital, Akure, emphasizing the need for the governor to protect his well-established reputation by delegating his responsibilities to the deputy governor in an acting capacity until he regains the capacity to handle the affairs of the state.

Adewale said that “This is a duty and responsibility that Governor Akeredolu owes to himself, his party members, his family, and the good people of Ondo State.

The statement reads that “Ondo State and Ondo State friends must speak out on the increased level of uncertainty that hovered around the governance of our dear Sunshine State before it is too late.

“What began as a candlelight blaze is quickly snowballing into a sizable forest fire.

“And if we do not act quickly, history will not be kind to all of us who knew the incredible power of voice but chose silence.

“The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State understands Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s health condition, for which we have been praying for a speedy recovery.

“However, the state should not and cannot be left without a constitutional head in an acting capacity while he is away attending to his health.

“As we write this, our dear governor has refused to hand over to his deputy in an acting capacity while his whereabouts remain unknown.

“In the past seven days, President Tinubu has met with the APC Governors’ Forum twice.

“During each of those meetings, matters of national importance were discussed.

 “Nearly all the governors were in attendance, and those who could not make it had their deputies fill in for them.

 “The only state that was conspicuously missing in terms of representation at the two meetings is our dear Ondo State”.

While he recuperates, therefore, we call on Governor Akeredolu to immediately hand over to constitutionally delegate power to the deputy in Acting capacity so as to keep the state running effectively.

 “And if he is strong enough to preside over the affairs of the state as his people claimed, then it is well past time for Governor Akeredolu to show up and prove the doubting Thomases wrong.

 “We also call on every relevant stakeholder and patriots in the state to ensure that unnecessary and avoidable constitutional crisis in the management and functioning of the State Government did not ensue.

“This is not the time for them to hide in their cocoon of imperturbability”.

This is not the time for the “Governor is getting better and everything is going on smoothly in the Ondo State” nonsense spewed by APC apologists and many politicians who are abetting the governor to shirk his constitutional responsibility.

“Unknown to these praise singers and those who have chosen silence over talking, no one suffers adversity alone and misery often seeks new neighbourhoods to occupy.

“No matter how these silent stakeholders in Ondo might feel, we will all be touched in varying degrees should this issue be allowed to deteriorate.

 “A prolonged uncertainty over the administration of Ondo State will cost the state untoward setback.

“There is no doubt about this.And that is why silence is dangerous now”.

At this juncture, Ondo State finds itself in a unique period where the only recourse to avert an imminent crisis lies in engaging in sincere, comprehensive, and far-reaching discussions.

This is the time to start the constitutional conversations.

Adewale added that ”It is deeply troubling to witness the actions of an individual who, having previously held a prominent position as the head of the Nigeria Bar Association, actively spoke out against ailing leaders who refused to transfer power to their deputies. This individual has dedicated their entire life to upholding and defending the constitution of the country. However, it is disheartening to observe that they now choose to openly and intentionally disregard the very constitution they once fought to protect.

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