President Bola Tinubu is in a closed-door meeting with key stakeholders in Ondo State to resolve the leadership crisis in the state.
POLITICS NIGERIA gathered that the meeting, which is currently underway at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, has brought together Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, his Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, members of the state House of Assembly, and other prominent figures.
President Tinubu, upon arriving at the meeting, immediately called for the closed-door session. He requested that all non-Ondo State indigenes vacate the Banquet Hall.
This publication gathered that there are about 50 individuals, including lawmakers, and aides to both the Governor and Deputy Governor, still present within the hall.
Notable attendees include Babajide Akeredolu, Senators Jide Ipinsagba, Jimoh Ibrahim, and Adeniyi Adegbonmire, representing Ondo North, South, and Central Districts, respectively. Additionally, House of Representatives members from Ondo State, including John Odimayo, Kimikanboh Ojogo, Festus Adefiranye, Olanrewaju Akingbaso, Abiodun Adesida, Adejoro Adeogun, Abiola Makinde, and Adelegbe Oluwatimehin, are also in attendance. State Commissioners, party chieftains, and a group of elders are also present.
Prior to the late-night meeting, President Tinubu had engaged in a separate four-hour meeting with a select group of stakeholders, including the Senators, to deliberate on the crisis.
Recall that Ondo State Elders and Leaders, earlier this week, appealed to President Tinubu to intervene in the constitutional crisis in the state and prevent a potential breakdown of law and order. The Elders and Leaders also urged the state and national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to provide guidance and enforce discipline within their ranks.
The crisis between Akeredolu and his deputy became public after the return of the Governor from Germany, where he went for his medical vacation, in September. The State House of Assembly began the process of impeachment against Ayedatiwa over allegations of gross misconduct. However, with the intervention of the party, it was shelved.
