The Ondo state Elders and Leaders on Monday met to wade into the political crisis rocking the state in the last few months over the continued absence of governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as well as the impeachment process instituted against his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa over alleged gross misconduct.
The elders and leaders meeting summoned by Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti at his residence in Akure, lasted for about four hours.
The leaders including the Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji Abdulmalik Yayi-Akorede, the Archbishop of Ondo Diocese of Anglican Communion, Bishop Simeon Borokini, Chief Femi Aluko, Bashoun Seinde Arogbofa, and Olowa of Igbara-Oke, Oba Adefarakanmi Agbede met under the auspices of Leaders and Elders of Ondo State at the resident of Pa Fasoranti on the impeachment rocking the State.
Other leaders included the Lisa and Prime Minister of Ondo Kingdom, Sir Simeon Oguntimehin, former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Dr Bakitta Bello, former Vice Chancellor of Oduduwa University, Ile-Ife, Prof Olu Aderonhumu, and Organising Secretary of Afenifere, Chief Kole Omololu, and Asae of Akure, Chief Sola Adegbonmire.
Addressing the media at the end of the meeting, Arogbofa, Oguntimehin, and Aderohumu asked the Assembly to make sure that the impeachment of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his Deputy did not see the light of the day.
Arogbofa said “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. We are still looking at how things are going. We still have a lot; we just started.”
Addressing the newsmen after the meeting, an elder stateman, Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa said the meeting was still ongoing in its consultation towards finding lasting solution to the political imbroglio in the state.
Arogbofa said “The meeting is still ongoing. We have just started discussion about the political problems currently happening in ondo state.
“But having looked at so many things, It was the conclusion of these Elders and Leaders in Ondo State and the cross-section of the gentlemen and ladies as well as market women present at the meeting that for now there should be no impeachment of any kind, either the governor or his deputy.We are still looking at how things are going.”
He who added that the elders were yet to meet with the house of assembly members expressed the hope that the lawmakers would honour the Elders in the state.
Arogbofa said “It will be strange for us to talk to them and for them to say no. One steps after the other.We would contact all stakeholders and fashion out ways of maintaining peace and tranquility in the state.”
“Also speaking, the Lisa of Ondo Kingdom, Sir Simeon Oguntimehin said “In addition, the meeting has decided that no attempt should be made to impeach either the governor or his deputy.The meeting wants the rule of law to be adhered to without any problem.
“Efforts are still being made to ensure that peace reigns in the state. The Sun must continue to shine.”
On his part, Professor Olu-Aderounmu said “We want everybody to cooperate with the Elders. We mean well for this state. We particularly want the Ondo State House of Assembly cooperate if called upon, by Baba Fasoranti and the Elders in the state.
“Some of the Elders participated in the creation of this state and they feel concerned and appeal to everybody to please cooperate. Ondo State used to be a leading state in the federation, whether you talk about education, even human and materials resources. We want to continue to be the first in the country.”
