Transfer Power to Aiyedatiwa in Governor Akeredolu’s Stead
Months after his return to the country following a medical trip abroad, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has continued to carry out his duties from Ibadan, Oyo State, rather than residing in Ondo State. This decision has sparked criticism from many, including legal expert Benson Enikuomehin, who has called on the Ondo State House of Assembly to intervene and transfer power to Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Enikuomehin, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, highlighted the crucial role of the governor’s office and expressed concern over Akeredolu’s prolonged absence from the state. He stated, “The function of the office of the governor is enormous. It is tasking. It goes to confirm that the discharging of his function to the state is missing. If these functions are missing, then the state is losing.”
Equating Ondo State without a present governor to a “sheep without a shepherd,” Enikuomehin emphasized the need for effective governance. He added, “Ondo State deserves to be governed well. As of now, we are like a sheep without a shepherd; rudderless.”
Enikuomehin further questioned Akeredolu’s decision to remain in Ibadan, stating, “From the Eighth of September till date, no one except this Ali and the Angels group is seeing him. Nobody is seeing him. We can’t hear him. He cannot talk to us either by telephone or by conversation. If the governor is not present, did we vote for him to be a spiritual father who will be issuing orders from Rome? Of course not. He should be in Akure, Ondo State.”
The calls for power transfer to Aiyedatiwa stem from the strained relationship between the two men, which has been evident in recent months. There were even moves to impeach Aiyedatiwa, who has since apologized to Akeredolu for their rift.
The Ondo State House of Assembly now faces a critical decision: whether to uphold the status quo, allowing Akeredolu to continue governing from afar, or intervene and transfer power to Aiyedatiwa, ensuring the smooth continuation of governance in Ondo State.
