Ondo State Assembly Maintains Status Quo in Government Arrangement

• Ondo State Assembly rejects doctrine of necessity, maintains political status quo amid Governor Akeredolu’s absence, supporting President Tinubu’s resolution
• Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa remains in position; impeachment proceedings halted; resignation letter required; party and assembly leadership intact; monitors appointed

The Ondo State House of Assembly has decided to uphold the status quo in the state’s government arrangement, rejecting the activation of the doctrine of necessity to make Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa the acting governor. The decision was reached after an extensive plenary session, with the assembly supporting the resolution reached by President Bola Tinubu during a meeting held last week in Abuja.

The assembly’s speaker, Olamide Oladiji, read the resolution, stating that the political status quo would be maintained in the absence of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. The key points of the resolution include:

1. Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa remains in his position as deputy governor.
2. All impeachment proceedings against Aiyedatiwa are terminated.
3. An undated letter of resignation must be written, signed by the deputy governor, and submitted to the President.
4. The party leadership and structures remain intact.
5. The House of Assembly leadership remains intact.
6. Three enforcers, including the State chairman of APC, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, and the Secretary to the State Government, are appointed to monitor compliance.

The Speaker expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for intervening in the political situation and urged stakeholders to work together for the development of the state. He also warned against fanning the flames of conflict, emphasizing that the House of Assembly would use the full weight of the law to address any misconduct.

The intervention by President Tinubu followed the political feud between Governor Akeredolu and Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa, with expectations that Aiyedatiwa might be declared acting governor in the absence of the governor.