Dr Akeredolu O.N

We all pray for Gov Akeredolu Oluwarotimi SAN of Ondo to get well soonest. However, the blood of an average Ondo State indigene is more precious than the seat of power at Alagbaka because if there are no citizens, there will be nothing the Governor will preside over. 

What we are saying in Ondo state is that rule of law must prevail, if Aketi is okay healthwise, there is no problem, he should continue as the Governor but the latest cabals in the sunshine state must prove to us beyond doubt the current health status of our Governor. 

History would be unkind to us in sunshine state if another set of assassinations starts, those who were adults in 1983 will never pray for the replay of this ugly incident among our people. There must be no illegality in Ondo state,  we have constitution that must be followed.

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The tension is already in the atmosphere, if proactive measures are not taken, we may witness another war or assassinations of political leaders in the state. I recently stumbled on the publication from the last spokesman of the 9th Assembly, Hon. Akogun Omole, in which he decried that his life is in danger.

 This development is related to the mystery surrounding the health of Aketi and his whereabouts, following a recent publication by Sahara Reporter in which the Ondo State Governor was said to be incapacitated and bedridden in Ibadan.

 Ordinarily, people were expecting the media aides of the Governor to debunk this acclaimed lie, However, they have remained incommunicado since then which has aroused the suspicion of the Ondo State indigenes. The tension is palpable everywhere in the political atmosphere.

WON SINWIN 

 Another publication credited to Coastal Renaissance, an online newspaper, anchored by Mr Taiwo Gbamila, from the same Local Government as the Deputy Governor, claimed there is an ongoing plan to impeach H.E Lucky Aiyedatiwa. It's only a political neophyte who will doubt what politicians can do when it comes to a power tussle.

 The son of Ondo State Governor, Mr Babajide Akeredolu, Special adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Mr Dare Aragbaye who was the former head of service, and unnamed governorship aspirants were fingered in this political shenanigan.

https://youtu.be/Ik_HfN5JjHo

There is an adage in Yoruba land that when the elders are in the market, a child on his mother's back will have his neck in proper position i.e though the mother who may likely be engaged with market activities will not call for help, the elders who are passing by will help the mother to put the child's head in a proper position. Ondo State has a lot of elders, responsible ones for that matter, with a lot of achievements to their records, from our various kings to our important political personalities. They must not look away while political gladiators turn the state they built in their youth into an abattoir of human beings.

 After the tenure expiration of Dr Kayode Fayemi in Ekiti state, the political desperadoes almost caused chaos in the state, renowned as the fountain of knowledge, but lawyers like Mr Ade Adenipekun SAN, Mr Afe Balbalola SAN, Mr Femi Falana SAN and others, came up with a communique to condemn the injustice and everything was settled amicably among the warring factions of the House of Assembly over the Speakership.

The current situation in Ondo State is pathetic, one of the foremost and most successful lawyers in Nigeria, had his family enmeshed in a public fight over his properties when he died. Mr F.R.A William was the first Nigerian to be awarded the prestigious title of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He lived for 84 years and after his death, his four children from the same mother were later involved in a messier battle over his estate.

 Does that mean this great man didn't know he needed to do his will despite he was ageing? The same thing may explain various illegality, injustices and political desperation, currently ongoing in the sunshine state, despite that we have a two-term President of the Nigerian Bar Association as our Governor. The constitution is clear without any ambiguity, if the Governor is sick, he should abdicate power to his Deputy in acting capacity.

 Why is that hard for Aketi to do the needful? If the gullible ones believe he is hale and hearty, why was he absent at the presidential inauguration? Where is he currently? If his wife is doubting his fitness to finish the second term, despite her deep knowledge and experience with cancer, why are we shying away from reality? We all love him, wish and pray that Aketi should return in good health but have no power to bring our wishes for him to pass except God, why do we like deception then?

The same governorship position was given to Pa. Reuben Fashoranti in 1999, who refused it on personal conviction, ensuring his political friend, Chief Adebayo Adefarati from Akungba Akoko stepped in. He recently celebrated his 95th birthday, and the kind of honour, praises and encomium showered on him were unprecedented, none of the former Governors has had such a glorious day. Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu came down from Lagos State to be blessed by him before the last hectic presidential campaign.

 My point is, why the desperation from Aketi's camp? He had been Governor in the last six years, what stops him from allowing his deputy to act now while he faces his health challenge? Who is currently in charge of Ondo State now? Or because of him, the entire state must be grounded? We are praying to God for him to show mercy but his supporters are not willing him to do things in orderliness, how then will God answer our prayers? Where are Pa Adekunle Ajasin and Chief Akin Omoboriowo, the two political gladiators of 1983? They are dead, will Aketi and Aiyedatiwa not die even if they live for 200 years?

During the last presidential election, Ondo State supported Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu's aspiration and voted massively for him, he should wade into the current situation, there must be peace in Ondo State. Chief Olu Falae, a Former Minister of Finance, Secretary to the Federal Government and Presidential Candidate of the AD/ANPP joint ticket in 1999, must intervene and allow the proper thing to be done.

 We appreciate the uncommon sacrifices they paid for the country, however, one of the reasons why they are still alive may be to guide the sunshine state in a dark period like this. In the same vein, Engr. Pius Akinyelure, from Idanre, can be said to be the closest person to the new president from Ondo State. His relationship with Jagaban of Borgu dated back to their youthful years in the corporate world of Exxon Mobil oil company. 

This a great opportunity, he is needed for guidance on this boiling issue on ground. With all these human assets mentioned above, it will be terrible if the state is engulfed with political flame again. God, history and posterity may not forgive them.

In summary, we are all praying for Gov. Akeredolu Oluwarotimi SAN of Ondo State to get well soonest. However, the blood of an average Ondo state indigene is more precious than the seat of power at Alagbaka because if there are no citizens, there will be nothing the Governor will preside over.

 What we are saying in Ondo State is that rule of law must prevail. If Aketi is okay healthwise, there is no problem, he should continue as the Governor but the latest cabals of sunshine state must prove to us beyond doubt, the current health status of our Governor.

 History would be unkind to us in sunshine  State if another set of assassinations starts , those who were adults in 1983 will never pray for the replay of that ugly incident among our people. There must be no illegality in our state, we have a constitution that must be followed.

Dr. Akeredolu O.N, Leader of Aketi Medical Team, 2016, Vice Chairman, Aketi-Ayedatiwa Medical Committee, 2020

https://youtu.be/Ik_HfN5JjHo