The political crisis in Ondo State has taken a new twist as the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has insisted that the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, should be empowered as acting governor, despite president Tinubu’s intervention for status-quo to remain.
Some chieftains of the party operating under the umbrella of Ondo APC Progressives Stakeholders, at the weekend, insisted that Aiyedatiwa should take over as acting Governor in accordance with constitutional provisions towards resolving the political imbroglio in the State.
Tinubu had called for the maintenance of the status quo, urging Aiyedatiwa to continue as the deputy governor.
However, the Ondo APC stakeholders, after their meeting in Akure, expressed concern over the continued absence of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, stating that it has adversely affected the governance and economy of the State.
Its Chairman and former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Afe Olowookere, and Secretary, Hon. Raman Rotimi, who once served APC secretary in the State, argued that their is urgent need for the House of Assembly to empower Aiyedatiwa to assume the responsibilities of the acting governor was emphasized.
“APC party members should be allowed to participate and determine those to be appointed or elected into political and party offices.
“Elders and leaders of the party must be recognised and given their pride of place in the party, rather than being neglected and ostracised by the party.
“The system of writing the names of party executives and candidates without due process will be objected to and resisted with all political and legal means possible,_ the statement said.