The national leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, on Monday, held a meeting with some elders of the state on the way to resolve the crisis between the Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu and his Deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The elders, who met at the Fasoranti’s residence in Akure, the State capital, expressed their displeasure over the lingering political crisis in the state, saying it had affected the development of the State.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, a former Secretary General of the Afenifere, Bashorun Sehinde Arogbofa, confirmed that the Afenifere leader summoned the elders to discuss the way out of the crisis. He noted that the meeting would be a continuous one.
Arogbofa said, “The elders’ meeting was summoned by the Afenifere leader and, by implication, the Yoruba leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, to discuss issues in our State. It is still ongoing we just started the discussion about the problems happening in the state. Having looked at so many things, it was the conclusion of the elders and leaders of Ondo State that, for now, there should be no impeachment of either the governor or the deputy.”
Also speaking, the Lisa of Ondo Kingdom, Pa Simeon Oguntimehin, said the elders had made a declaration that the issue of impeachment should be out of the matter of the state at the moment.
“The meeting decided and confirmed that no attempt should be made to impeach either the Governor or the Deputy Governor. We want the rule of law to continue to reign in the state. We don’t want any problems; we want the rule of law according to the Constitution to be adhered to and continue to be followed. This is a Sunshine State, and the State must continue to shine,” the octogenarian said.
A former Vice Chancellor of the Wesley Univerisity, Ondo Prof. Olu Aderounmu, who was also at the meeting said it was resolved that everybody should work with the elders.
“We mean well for this State. We particularly want the State House of Assembly to, if called upon, listen to Pa Fasoranti and the elders in the state.
Some of the elders participated actively in the creation of this state, so they are concerned.
“We want to appeal to everybody. Ondo State used to be the leading State in the federation, whether you talk about education, human resources, or material resources. We want to continue to be the number one state in the country,” the don stated.
Some of the elders of the state at the meeting included Chief Fasoranti, Bashorun Arogbofa, Pa Oguntimehin, Chief Korede Duyile, the Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji Yayi Akorede; Professor Aderohunmu, among others.
The crisis between Akeredolu and his Ayedatiwa escalated after the return of the Governor from Germany, where he went for his medical vacation, in September. Since then, the State House of Assembly has begun the process of impeachment against Ayedatiwa, over allegations of gross misconduct.
The Assembly had also written to the Chief Judge of the state Justice Olusegun Odusola to constitute a seven-man panel to investigate the allegation against Aiyedatiwa but the CJ turned down the request of the Assembly following a court order.
