Seinde Arogbofa, a chieftain of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has expressed reservations regarding the resolutions reached at a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and political stakeholders in Ondo State.
The meeting, held on Friday night at the Aso Rock Villa, aimed to address the ongoing rift between Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The six-hour deliberation resulted in an order for state lawmakers to suspend their impeachment move against Aiyedatiwa and maintain the status quo.
Arogbofa, speaking to reporters on Saturday, expressed his concerns, suggesting that President Tinubu should have directed that the deputy governor assumes the role of acting governor until Governor Akeredolu’s return to the state.
He emphasized the potential for further crisis if there is no designated authority in the state government during Akeredolu’s absence. Arogbofa explained, “If the governor is in place, there is no need for an acting governor, but if the governor is not in place, there is a need for someone who has the authority to carry the task of governance.”
The Afenifere chieftain warned of a potential leadership vacuum, likening it to an “animal kingdom” scenario.
Arogbofa highlighted that Afenifere and other state leaders are advocating for peace in Ondo State. He indicated that the group would review the resolutions from the meeting with the President and issue a formal statement after convening a meeting of its elders.
The expressed concerns underscore the delicate nature of the political situation in Ondo State and the varying perspectives among key stakeholders in the resolution process.