The Ondo State House of Assembly has been polarised, following the lingering political crisis in the state, between Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and his Deputy, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Vanguard reported that 11 of the 26 members have reportedly crossed over to the side of the embattled deputy governor.
The 11 lawmakers, in support of Aiyedatiwa, are now pushing that he be declared the acting governor.
A source told Vanguard that “the state House of Assembly members have been divided. 11 have crossed over to the side of Aiyedatiwa. They’ve been wooed by some forces in Abuja.
“They’ve planned a sitting for today (Friday), with the intention to declare Aiyedatiwa as the acting governor. But the president’s invitation stopped the plan.”
The Speaker, Rt Hon. Oladiji, who confirmed the meeting with President Bola Tinubu, said the outcome of the meeting would determine the next line of action.
Oladiji said, “The scheduled Friday’s plenary was to declare Aiyedatiwa as acting governor and not to declare Akeredolu as incapacitated.”
He said the meeting with President Tinubu would continue today.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that the lawmakers have planned to hold a plenary session today, Friday, November 24, to discuss the political situation in the state.
A lawmaker who spoke with Vanguard in confidence said that the planned sitting to discuss the political logjam in the state had the approval of the national secretariat of the party.
According to him, “The lawmakers are ready to meet today (Friday), and one of the items on the agenda of the sitting is the declaration of Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the acting governor.
“Though some of us may not be at the plenary today because they are not in support of Aiyedatiwa becoming an acting governor, the national leadership of the APC knows about our decision. We may declare Aiyedatiwa acting governor today.”
Speaking on the development, the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Mr. Olatunji Oshati, confirmed the planned plenary but was evasive on the declaration of Aiyedatiwa as the acting governor.
Oshati said, “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 is likely to make the declaration, but not under must; I don’t want to preempt what the outcome of the meeting would be. If it is likely to happen, you are invited as well.”
Recall that the state assembly had served the deputy governor with an impeachment notice following alleged gross misconduct.
The deputy governor subsequently challenged his impeachment in court.
