Impeachment: Fasoranti, Ondo elders wades in to settle Akeredolu, deputy
Following the recent political crisis in Ondo State caused by the feud between Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and some state elders have begun efforts to resolve the situation.
The leaders, who included traditional rulers, religious leaders, and elder statesmen, asked for an immediate halt to the impeachment proceedings by the State House of Assembly during a meeting held at Fasoranti’s residence in Akure, the state capital.
According to the leaders, their demand to suspend the impeachment procedures was intended to allow them to meet with the gladiators in order to realign the state on the path of peace and progress.
Fasoranti, speaking to journalists through the former Secretary-General of Afenifere, indicated that the meeting was called to discuss ways out of the impasse.
“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 after the meeting, the Lisa of Ondo Kingdom, Sir Simeon Oguntimehin, said,
“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.”