Fasoranti, Ondo elders urge Tinubu to settle Akeredolu, Aiyedatiwa feud

Elders in Ondo State have expressed worry over the lingering political crisis in the state, especially concerning the governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu; his deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa; and the state House of Assembly.

The elders, who held a meeting on Tuesday, at the instance of the national leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, at his residence in Akure, called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Umar Ganduje to intervene and resolve the crisis.

The elders, who decried the development, observed that the lack of communication between the governor and his deputy had resulted in the inability of the deputy government to perform constitutional duties on behalf of the governor for the good governance of the state.

In the resolutions made at the meeting and made available to our correspondent on Wednesday, the elder statesmen insisted that the governor and the deputy should not be impeached.

They also resolved that “all unelected persons should allow the three arms of government in Ondo State to find a lasting solution to the current crisis. The rule of law should be followed by all stakeholders as enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution.”

The elders also called on the state and the national leadership of the ruling APC, to provide the required guide to those in government as well as ensure discipline among their fold.

They called for prayers for the improved health of the governor, noting  that “without doubt, his absence has caused a lack of sustained good governance in the state.”

“The  President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Bola Tinubu, is hereby passionately called upon to intervene and end the present constitutional crisis in the state, to avoid the looming breakdown of law and order in Ondo State,” the elders pleaded.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has disclosed that some political thugs were planning to cause mayhem across the state.

The command, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, on Tuesday, said the plan was revealed to the command through intelligence reports.

It warned those behind such a plan to desist from it.

It was gathered that the warning of the police was not unconnected with the alleged plan by some youths loyal to both Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa, to stage protests across the state.

The police statement read, “The attention of the Ondo State Police Command has been drawn through intelligence reports that some political elements are bent on disrupting the peace of the state through concerted efforts  and  mobilisation  of unsuspecting youths of the state

“Specific reports revealed that sponsors seek to cause mayhem to embarrass the state for certain selfish ends.

“The state police command, therefore, warn such elements within the state to retrace their steps or be made to face the wrath of the law, while assuring  law-abiding citizens of their safety.”