TheCable

A group known as the Social Rehabilitation Support and Grace Initiative (SRG) has commended President Bola Tinubu for resolving the leadership crisis in Ondo state.

Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo, has been battling health issues since June and took a three-month medical leave to Germany.

In September, Akeredolu returned to Nigeria and governed Ondo from Ibadan, the Oyo state capital — a scenario that led to a political crisis in the state.

There were controversies around the need to hand over power to Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the deputy governor.

In November, Tinubu waded into the crisis in the state and sued for peace from all parties.

On Wednesday, the Ondo house of assembly declared Aiyetadiwa as acting governor of the state after receiving a medical leave letter from the governor.

Commenting on Tinubu’s intervention, Charles Oludare, convener of the group, expressed appreciation to the president for his commitment to ensuring that peace returned to Ondo.

“While it’s regrettable that the President had to divert his attention from pertinent national duties to address the misconduct of politicians in Ondo State, his grace and leadership in this crisis are profoundly appreciated,” Oludare said.

He called on the state executive council and house of assembly to concentrate on their primary responsibilities, adding that “no personal ambition should overshadow the governance and service delivery obligations to the people”.

“Governor Akeredolu demonstrated immense trust and confidence in choosing Aiyedatiwa as his running mate. It is now imperative that he honors this trust by fulfilling his promises to the people of Ondo state,” he added.

“We stand with governor Akeredolu during this trying time as he fights the biggest battle of his life and eagerly await his victorious comeback.”

The convener urged Aiyedatiwa to sustain and build on the legacy of the governor.