Fasoranti, Ondo elders intervene in Akeredolu, Aiyedatiwa crisis

Elders in Ondo State, comprising traditional and spiritual heads and leaders of pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Monday, intervened in the political crisis rocking the state and resolved to put to an end to the face-off between Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The crisis, which has affected the smooth running of the state government, has caused calls for Impeachment of the deputy governor and some groups calling for the impeachment of the governor for being absent from the state since he embarked on medical leave.

Speaking with journalists present at the premises, Bashorun Arogbofa disclosed that the meeting was at the instance of the Afenifere leader basically to deliberate on the governor and his deputy’s disagreement.

He said: “The elders’ meeting was summoned by Afenifere leader and, by implication, the Yoruba leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, to discuss issues in our own state (Ondo 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.

“We are still looking at how things are going. We still have a lot; we just started.”

In his comments while fielding questions from journalists, Prof. Olu Aderounmu called on politicians and political officeholders, particularly lawmakers in the state House of Assembly, to work with them in their efforts in resolving the ongoing political imbroglio in the state.

The former Vice Chancellor of Oduduwa University, Ile-Ife noted that most of the elders were instrumental to the creation of the state in 1976 and are indeed concerned on the state of the state.

Prof. Aderounmu said: “We want everybody to 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 in corporate amicably.

“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 Lisa, Ondo Kingdom, Sir Simeon Oguntimehin told journalists that it was decided that the issue of impeachment of either the governor or his deputy should be suspended immediately.

He disclosed that “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 continued to be followed.

“This is a Sunshine State, and the state must continue to shine.”