Some indigenous peoples of Ondo State, under the aegis of the Ondo State Conscience Movement, have called for the return of the Governor of the state, Rotimi Akeredolu, to his office, News About Nigeria reports.
According to the group, the governor’s absence from office has continued to negatively affect the governance of Ondo State.
The group made this statement in response to a declaration by Akeredolu’s lawyers, who asserted that the governor can rule from anywhere. In condemning the statement by the governor’s lawyers, the group emphasized that the Governor’s seat has a designated physical location for the coordination of state affairs and the administration of its functions and powers.
“The Ondo State Conscience Movement feels compelled to respond to the recent statements made by the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, through his legal representatives. These statements raise significant concerns about the Governor’s approach to governance, especially in the context of his absence from the office.
“The assertion that the constitution permits Mr Governor to govern the state from ‘anywhere’ is viewed by our movement as a facetious claim, one that challenges the principles of good governance and constitutional integrity,” they added.
They further explained that due to the governor’s continuous travel abroad for medical treatment, vital decisions and actions requiring his leadership and presence were effectively carried out by the Deputy Governor. However, his return and the transfer of power back to him have resulted in a leadership stalemate at the executive level of the state.
Therefore, they urged Akeredolu to promptly return and fully resume his duties in office as the Governor of Ondo State, emphasizing that it is his responsibility to both himself and the people of Ondo State.
The group also urged the governor to transfer state power to his deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, if his health requires further assessment or recuperation.
