Human rights attorney, Allen Sowore, has made a compelling call to the Ondo State House of Assembly, urging them to consider invoking the doctrine of necessity in securing the resignation of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the Governor of the state.
Sowore argued that this constitutional provision, which had been employed during the late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s administration, could offer a viable solution to the current political impasse within the state.
According to Sowore, the Governor, since returning from a three-month medical leave, has been conspicuously absent from the state. Meanwhile, his embattled deputy, who should have been managing the state in his absence, has been outside Ondo State to evade potential impeachment proceedings initiated by the Assembly.
In a statement shared with reporters, titled “Ondo Political Quagmire: Time to Invoke Doctrine of Necessity is Now!”, Sowore stated, “In accordance with the provisions of Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and following due process, procedure, and proceedings, it is evident that the covert plot by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to impeach his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has failed woefully.”
He continued, “It is no secret that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has been absent and unavailable to perform his duties since 3rd April 2023, leaving the state without governance and direction. His recent staged return from Germany and the subsequent submission of a resumption letter to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly have exposed the challenges the cabal has been hiding from the people. Since this orchestrated return, no one in the state has seen or heard from the governor.”
Sowore concluded, “Hence, it is imperative and patriotic for the State House of Assembly to utilize and invoke the various provisions in the Constitution.”
In response to this, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Akeredolu, Richard Olatunde, reiterated that the Governor’s location did not hinder the state’s governance. He emphasized that not only is the government fully operational, but it is actively propelling the progress of the state. Olatunde urged the public to concentrate on the tangible achievements being accomplished in Ondo State rather than sensationalizing the Governor’s whereabouts.