A report by Daily Trust indicates that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s prolonged absence in Ondo has raised alarms about governance, with mounting concerns over the state of affairs and leadership.
Akeredolu, who returned from a three-month medical leave in Germany almost 80 days ago, has yet to set foot in the state, reportedly conducting state matters from his Ibadan residence.
However, the reported that there has been a lack of visible public appearances by the governor and limited governance activity in Ondo.
According to the report, there has been a void in effective leadership, leaving government functions, apart from salary payments, largely unattended.
Representation at national and regional platforms has purportedly dwindled since August, amplifying worries about the state’s influence and decision-making power.
Amidst Akeredolu’s remote governance claims, opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have criticised the situation, describing Ondo as a victim of political disarray and deficient leadership.
The spokesperson of Ondo PDP, Kennedy Peretei, said the poor handling of the governor’s health by his handlers has eroded the sympathy of the people, who are now frustrated by the failure of governance in the state.
“We have asked them who is in charge of Ondo State. We have asked them where is Aketi? They should bring him from wherever they are hiding him. What we see is quite embarrassing and they have made Ondo State the butt of all jokes.
“In the past, we had a lot of people sympathising with the governor, but that empathy has turned to anger and frustration. Even elder statesmen are beginning to put themselves together on how to address the logjam.
“It is unfortunate and we pray that in no distant time, there will be a solution,” he said.
Already, there are calls for activating the doctrine of necessity, urging the deputy governor to take charge during Akeredolu’s absence.
While some sources indicate occasional interactions with government officials at his Ibadan legal office, the physical absence of the governor from the state continues to fuel questions about the effectiveness of remote administration.
Legal experts have also advocated for swift action, emphasising the need for the deputy governor to assume a temporary leadership role until Akeredolu’s full return.
Constitutional lawyer Ebun Olu Adegoruwa (SAN), said the governor is a human liable to fall sick. While noting that Akeredolu’s ill health should not hold the state to ransom, he asked the Ondo House of Assembly to adopt the doctrine of necessity.
“Nigerians have been praying for his quick recovery, but the affairs of state have to continue.
“The constitutional principle of the doctrine of necessity should be activated to enable the deputy governor to take over the affairs of the state in an acting capacity pending the safe return of the governor,” Adegoruwa said.
Human rights lawyer Barrister Abubakar Sanni said Akeredolu should taste the same medicine he prescribed for former President Yar’adua.
“His chickens have come home to roost. What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. Let him have a taste of the same medicine he prescribed for former President Yar’adua (‘physician, heal thyself’),” he said.
That is serious