‘Power not birthright’ — Ogundamisi asks Akeredolu to temporarily vacate office

Kayode Ogundamisi, a political commentator, has advised Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo, to vacate office until he is fit enough to govern again. 

Ondo has been embroiled in a political crisis since July 2023 when Akeredolu embarked on a three-month medical leave in Germany.

Since returning to Nigeria in September, Akeredolu has reportedly been carrying out his constitutional duties as governor of Ondo from Ibadan, the Oyo capital city.

On Wednesday, Ondo elders and leaders led by Reuben Fasoranti raised concerns about the governor’s prolonged absence from the state, harping on the “huge governance gap” it has caused.

The group asked President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the political situation in the state.

Critiquing the situation on Friday, Ogundamisi described Akeredolu’s absence as a “gross violation”, calling on the state house of assembly to quickly intervene.

Ogundamisi said there was no need for President Tinubu to wade in.

“The issue is VERY simple. Our Governor Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu has been absent from the state for several months. Our state is paralyzed,” he said. 

“The constitution is very clear, the governor is obviously incapacitated and those who benefit from his absence are milking Ondo state for their own personal benefit. 

“We all wish Akeredolu well. We cannot, however, have Ondo state governed via proxies and a few members of Akeredolu’s immediate family. This is unacceptable.

“It is time for Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to come clean, and temporarily vacate office until he’s fit enough to govern in full. Power is not a birthright that should be held by all means.

“Akeredolu and the cabals in Ondo state should do the right thing.

“The State House of Assembly should do the needful if the cabinet members are putting their own bread over the progress of Ondo state.”