President Bola Tinubu, in a bid to address the leadership crisis in Ondo State, has directed Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to transfer power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The transfer, necessitated by the governor’s health challenges, will be facilitated through an electronic signature (e-signature).
Tinubu shared concerns about Akeredolu’s incapacitation during a meeting held on Monday to address the ongoing crisis, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution. The urgency of the situation was heightened by civil society organization Take-It-Back, which threatened mass protests across Ondo State starting December 16, demanding Akeredolu’s resignation.
According to Saharareporters, the State House of Assembly considered invoking the doctrine of necessity to appoint Aiyedatiwa as acting governor. However, this proposition faced objections from attendees, including the governor’s son, Babajide. Instead, it was agreed that an e-signature would be obtained from the ailing governor to authorize the power transfer.
The mounting pressure on Akeredolu stems from his extended absence from office since July 2023, following a three-month medical leave in Germany. Protests and calls for resignation have been fueled by concerns about the governor’s ability to fulfill his constitutional duties.
The situation escalated further as a forensic report by the Association of Forensic Professionals of Nigeria confirmed the forgery of Akeredolu’s signature on an official document. The report, initiated by the State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Razaq Obe, revealed discrepancies in the questioned signatures.
In response to these developments, a town hall meeting organized by the Take-It-Back Movement, themed ‘Akeredolu: Resume Or Resign,’ is set to take place on Saturday, December 16, in Akure. Opposition figures, including Omoyele Sowore, have also called for Akeredolu to either resume office or resign.
Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, won re-election in October 2020 but has faced challenges during his second term, marked by health issues and governance concerns.