The months-long dispute between Rotimi Akeredolu’s and Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s deputy governor’s supporters was settled late on Friday by President Bola Tinubu.
The President and Deputy Governor, Governor Akeredolu’s delegates, Ondo state and federal legislators, representatives of the All Progressives’ Congress, and other interested parties held lengthy discussions in the State House in Abuja after that.
All opposing parties were urged by the President to put aside their differences and accept peace, and this led to promises to that effect.
Aiyedatiwa, who has been fighting an impeachment conspiracy, would continue to serve as deputy governor, while governor Akeredolu would continue to serve as chief executive of the state.
The members of the Ondo State APC Chapter, the House of Assembly, and the State Executive Council will continue to hold their positions.
In order to preserve the status quo and bring all the factions together, Mr. Aiyedatiwa declared, “I want to say that I pledge to all of you that I embrace every one of you.” I have set aside all that has transpired thus far. As the President has instructed us, I have let go and have given myself to God.
And I want to express that without taking offence or harbouring any malice whatsoever. Politics is all that has occurred. Politics involves impeachment. It’s politics too, if you make it through. Now it’s here. Everything else is history; I made it through it.
“It is one big family, and our father has intervened to bring all the children together to remain under the same family. With the position that I hold, I will support each and every one of you in every decision that needs to be made. To ensure that governance is on the right track, the legislature and the executive branch will collaborate in everything that we do.”
He implored all State Executive Council members to unite behind the Governor and himself in order to “bring the dividend of democracy” to the people of Ondo State.
“I want to implore all of the Executive Council members to work with the Governor and me so that we can provide our people with the benefits of democracy.”
Regarding the offices we hold and the age gaps between us, we ought to show each other respect. Thus, there will be respect for one another.
I also want to reassure the party hierarchy that we will cooperate because the party is paramount. The Deputy Governor of Ondo State promised, “We will always give you your due respect.”
“Our resolution is that one, we shall embrace peace,” declared Oladiji Olamide, Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, after reading the resolution’s text. Secondly, the Deputy Governor would uphold the current leadership structure of the House of Assembly, and there would be no further cabinet dissolutions.
“We intend to preserve the current state of affairs concerning the leadership of the state’s political parties and the State House of Assembly.” Regards, Mr. President.
READ ALSO: Ondo crisis: Tinubu steps in to resolve the conflict between Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa
“Our Father, the President, has taken the trouble to settle our rancour in Ondo State,” declared Princess Oladunni Odu, Secretary to the State Government. Sir, we are incredibly grateful to you. We promise not to let you down. Every thing you say has been taken in. And we are returning home as the APC’s unified family.
Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Ondo State, Ade Adetimehin, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of Friday’s late-night discussions and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to acting as a watchdog to ensure that the new commitments are kept.
My happiest moment is right now. I also know that Ondo State is now sane. Therefore, we are grateful for our leader, Mr. President, on behalf of the throngs of party members around the state.
The PDP is practically on the verge of extinction in the state. We only have the one issue, which you resolved for us today. And that issue has been permanently fixed,” said Adetimehin.
According to PlatinumPost, there was strain in Ondo in the week subsequent to certain lawmakers’ purported attempt to declare Akeredolu unsuitable for state governance due to his current health status.
