The Ondo State House of Assembly is scheduled to hold a plenary session today to deliberate on the political situation in the state.
Reliable sources indicate that the lawmakers will specifically address the health-related absence of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and may consider declaring the deputy governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as acting governor.
Governor Akeredolu is reportedly still recovering from an undisclosed illness at his private residence in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, preventing him from resuming his official duties.
Insiders suggest that the lawmakers may encounter internal disagreements regarding the appointment of Aiyedatiwa as acting governor, potentially leading to the absence of some members during the session. However, it is emphasized that the sitting has the approval of the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A source familiar with the matter revealed, “The lawmakers are ready to meet today (Friday), and one of the agenda items is the declaration of Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the acting governor.
Although some lawmakers may not be present due to disagreements on Aiyedatiwa’s appointment, the national leadership of the APC is aware of and has endorsed the meeting. Therefore, they may declare Aiyedatiwa as acting governor today.”
Responding to inquiries, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Mr Olatunji Oshati, confirmed the development but refrained from confirming whether Aiyedatiwa would be declared as acting governor. Oshati stated, “What I can tell you for now is that there is something like that, not to declare him (Aiyedatiwa), but the House is going to sit on the matter and review the political situation today as directed by our national leaders.
The House has likely made the declaration, but I don’t want to preempt what the outcome of the meeting would be.”
In addition, there are reports that President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to meet with members of the Ondo State Assembly in Abuja today to address the ongoing political crisis.