President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the police to vacate the premises of the Ondo State House of Assembly in Akure, the state capital, as part of his efforts to resolve the political crisis in the state.
Tinubu met with the embattled Ondo Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the state lawmakers, and the members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday night.
The meeting, which lasted for nearly six hours, was aimed at finding a peaceful solution to the conflict that had erupted between the Governor and the Deputy Governor, as well as the legislators and the party leaders in the state. The police withdrawal was one of the decisions reached at the meeting, to allow the state Assembly to function without interference.
The crisis in Ondo State had started when some lawmakers served Aiyedatiwa an impeachment notice over alleged gross misconduct and abuse of office. Aiyedatiwa had challenged his impeachment in court and later apologised to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu for his “sins”.
However, the tension in the state had escalated when Governor Akeredolu failed to resume his duties after returning from a medical vacation abroad.
Supporters of Aiyedatiwa had threatened to protest and demanded that he be declared acting governor. The crisis reached a climax on Friday when some lawmakers loyal to Aiyedatiwa were going to make him acting governor.
The President intervened in the matter after receiving appeals from notable personalities, including the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, and traditional rulers in the state, who urged him to prevent a constitutional crisis.
He invited Aiyedatiwa, the state lawmakers, the state chairman of the party, Ade Adetimehin, and other state leaders of the party to Abuja for a dialogue.
The President commended the state officials for their willingness to embrace peace and urged them to work together for the development of the state. He also assured them of his support and guidance in resolving their differences.