Over the past few weeks, there has been a growing demand for Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s resignation as he continues to govern Ondo State remotely from Ibadan in Oyo State. Reports from DAILY POST suggest that Akeredolu has been in Ibadan since returning from a medical trip to Germany, leading many in the state to believe that the governance of Ondo State has been left on autopilot.
Akeredolu left Nigeria on June 13, 2023, for medical treatment in Germany and spent approximately three months abroad before returning on September 9. Prior to his departure, he had informed the Ondo State House of Assembly about a 21-day leave, during which he delegated his powers to his deputy for acting governance.
Upon his return, rather than going to the state capital, Akure, the governor has chosen to stay at his personal residence in Ibadan, raising concerns among the populace. The First Lady, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has been accused of influencing the situation to enable her husband to remain in power despite reported health issues.
The political situation in Ondo State has been tumultuous since the governor’s return, with loyalists of Akeredolu attempting to remove the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for actions taken during Akeredolu’s absence. The deputy governor has faced challenges, including the sacking of media aides upon the governor’s return.
Efforts to impeach Aiyedatiwa have been underway, with accusations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, financial recklessness, and other offenses. The National Working Committee of the APC has intervened to slow down the impeachment process, but the deputy governor’s prominence has diminished.
Recently, attention has shifted from the deputy governor to Governor Akeredolu. Some have called for Akeredolu’s impeachment, citing a violation of the constitution and a state of political inertia for nearly six months due to the governor’s reported ill health. However, the Ondo State House of Assembly has defended Akeredolu, ignoring calls for action.
Legal experts have pointed out that, in the case of health challenges, the process to remove the governor must begin with the commissioners, who have the authority to declare the governor incapacitated. Section 189 of the 1999 constitution outlines the steps, requiring a two-thirds majority of the state executive council to declare the governor incapable. However, legal practitioners suggest that commissioners appointed by the governor may be hesitant to recommend his removal.
Despite these challenges, 33 out of 35 State Executive Council members recently expressed confidence in the governor and declared their loyalty, signaling a preference among politicians to await the next election in November 2024 rather than pursuing immediate removal. The primary election is scheduled for April next year.