By Jubril Bada
Elder statesmen in Ondo state on Monday converged in order to wade into the lingering political differences between the State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The elders who met at the residence of the national leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, expressed their displeasure over the issue, saying it had affected the development of the State.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the former Secretary General of the Afenifere, Bashorun Sehinde Arogbofa, confirmed that Pa Fasoranti summoned the elders to discuss the way out of the crisis, noting that the meeting would be a continuous one.
Arogbofa said, “The elders’ meeting was summoned by the Afenifere leader and, by implication, the Yoruba leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, to discuss issues in our State. It is still ongoing we just started the discussion about the problems happening in the state. Having looked at so many things, it was the conclusion of the elders and leaders of Ondo State that, for now, there should be no impeachment of either the governor or the deputy.”
Also speaking, the Lisa of Ondo Kingdom, Pa Simeon Oguntimehin, said the elders had made a declaration that the issue of impeachment should be out of the matter of the state at the moment.
“The meeting decided and confirmed that no attempt should be made to impeach either the Governor or the Deputy Governor. We want the rule of law to continue to reign in the state. We don’t want any problems; we want the rule of law according to the Constitution to be adhered to and continue to be followed. This is a Sunshine State, and the State must continue to shine,” the octogenarian said.
A former Vice Chancellor of the Wesley Univerisity, Ondo Prof. Olu Aderounmu, who was also at the meeting said it was resolved that everybody should work with the elders.
“We mean well for this State. We particularly want the State House of Assembly to, if called upon, listen to Pa Fasoranti and the elders in the state.
Some of the elders participated actively in the creation of this state, so they are concerned.
“We want to appeal to everybody. Ondo State used to be the leading State in the federation, whether you talk about education, human resources, or material resources. We want to continue to be the number one state in the country,” the don stated.
Some of the elders of the state at the meeting included Chief Fasoranti, Bashorun Arogbofa, Pa Oguntimehin, Chief Korede Duyile, the Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji Yayi Akorede; Professor Aderohunmu, among others.
In a related development, Ondo State Elders Committee of All Progressives Congress, APC has commended the timely intervention of the National leadership of the party on the face-off between the State House of Assembly and the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The Elders’ Committee gave the commendation in a communique signed by their secretary, Otunba Agboola Kelly.
While congratulating President Bola Tinubu on his recent victory at the Supreme Court, the Elders enjoined the state lawmakers not to disobey the directive of the National Leadership of the APC.
They enjoined the people of Ondo State to continue to intensify their prayers for the speedy and permanent recovery of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Some of the APC Elders at the meeting included: Chief Jamiu Ekungba, Chief Mrs Jumoke Ajasin-Anifowose, Mr.Muyiwa Ogunleye, High Chief Magnus, Aare Dr. Segun Ayodele, Snr Apostle Sola Akinmejiwa, Mr. Abiodun Jerome, Elder Osewole Modupe, Erelu Modupe Martin’s, Deaconess E. Ajibade, Esther Ayeni Biraye, High Chief Megbontowon, Sir James, Prince Omonijo Robinson among others.
