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Avert Repetition Of 1983 Post-Election Crisis In Ondo, Lawyer Writes Tinubu

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An Ondo State-born human rights lawyer, Allen Sowore, has called upon President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ‘looming political crisis’ in Ondo State, in order to prevent a repetition of the 1983 post-election war in the State.
Sowore made this plea in an open letter addressed to President Tinubu regarding the continued absence of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu from the State and the ongoing impeachment proceedings against the Deputy Governor,Lucky Aiyedatiwa, initiated by the State House of Assembly.
In the copy of the letter obtained by The Tide’s source, the human rights lawyer alleged that some members of Mr Akeredolu’s inner circle have taken control of governance to the detriment of the general populace in the State.
“In light of these concerns, I respectfully bring to your attention the pressing issues and the impending political crisis in Ondo State. It is evident that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN, CON), has been unwell for a considerable period.
“Mr President, we are deeply concerned and anxious because the current situation bears a striking resemblance to the 1983 Adekunle Ajasin and Omoboriowo crisis. We cannot allow that dark chapter of our history to repeat itself, especially with you serving as the President and Commander-in-Chief.
“In the light of the above, I earnestly implore you to take immediate notice and intervene in the unfolding political impasse in Ondo State before it escalates into a full-blown crisis,” an excerpt from the letter reads.
Last week, the governor’s spokesman, Richard Olatunde, accused “critics” of Mr Akeredolu of instigating a crisis in the State by taking advantage of his continued absence to spread falsehood.
Mr Olatunde asserted that despite the absence of his principal, the governor was still performing and fulfilling his constitutional duties in the state.
“The truth of the matter is that the Governor is fulfilling his constitutional role. If anyone asserts otherwise, ask them what remains undone in the state…,” the governor’s spokesman stated in a live radio interview programme monitored by The Tide source in Akure.
However, contrary to Mr Olatunde’s position, Mr Sowore noted in his letter to the president that the people of the state have demonstrated immense empathy and offered fervent prayers for Mr Akeredolu’s recovery.
He mentioned that while it was encouraging that the governor was recuperating since his return from Germany, he was still unable to resume the rigorous day-to-day responsibilities of governing the state.
According to Mr Sowore, this is likely why Mr Akeredolu has yet to return to Akure, the capital of Ondo State, since his return from his medical vacation on September 7, 2023.
“The state now finds itself adrift, with the security of life and property left vulnerable to criminal elements, security agencies exercising unchecked power over citizens, and streets littered with waste and debris.
“The entire health sector is in shambles, and major roads within Ondo State are in dire need of repair. Our once-proud education system is in a state of decay.
“Members of the State House of Assembly have elevated themselves to almost divine status, insisting on proceeding with the impeachment of the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, despite a valid court order to the contrary. Even the intervention of the National Executive of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has fallen on deaf ears,” he added in the letter.

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Why I Won’t Help Tinubu’s Govt Overcome Economic Challenges – Sanusi

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The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, says he would not help President Bola Tinubu’s administration to correct the administration’s policies affecting the citizens.

Emir Sanusi spoke on Wednesday in Lagos as the chairman of the 21st Anniversary of Fawehinmiism (Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture 2025).

The emir stated that while there were “a few points” he could offer to explain the trajectory the administration had taken and how such decisions were predictable, he chose not to do so because “they don’t behave like friends.”

He said explaining the government’s policies would help the government, but he did not intend to assist them due to the way they had treated him.

“I can give a few points that are contrary, that explain perhaps what we’re going through and how it was totally predictable, most of it, and maybe avoidable. But I am not going to do that.

“I have chosen not to speak about the economy or the reforms or to even explain anything because if I explain, it would help this government, but I don’t want to help this government,” the emir said while addressing some of the points made by speakers about the economy.

He added: “You know they’re my friends, but if they don’t behave like friends, I don’t behave like a friend. So I watch them being stooges. And they don’t even have people with credibility who can come and explain what they are doing. I am not going to help. I started out helping, but I am not going to help. I am not going to discuss it. Let them come and explain to Nigerians why the policies that are being pursued are being pursued.

“Meanwhile, I’m watching a very nice movie with popcorn in my hands. But I will say one thing: What we are going through today is, at least in part, not totally, but at least in part, a necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management.

“People were told decades ago that if you continue along this path, this is where you’re going to end up, and they refused to open their eyes. Now, is everything being done today correct? No.”

Emir Sanusi, who was deposed as the 14th Emir of Kano in 2020 by then-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the current national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), was reinstated as the 16th Emir of Kano in 2024 by the New Nigeria People’s Party-led Kano State Government.

His emirship has faced ongoing challenges from forces believed to be backed by the federal government, including federal officials’ continued recognition of his predecessor, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero.

Last month, the police barricaded his palace, with the state government accusing the federal government of orchestrating the action to stir unrest in the peaceful state.

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Reps Loses Deputy Chief Whip

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The Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Oriyomi Onanuga, is dead.

Also known as Ijaya, Rt Hon. Onanuga, who was the member representing Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency, is said to have died following a brief illness.

This was confirmed in a tweet on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the House of Representatives, on  Wednesday night.

Rt Hon Onanuga, who was born in Hammersmith, London, to Nigerian parents on December 2, 1965, was a politician and entrepreneur. She held the position of Deputy Chief Whip in the Nigerian House of Representatives since 2023.

She contested and won a seat in the House of Representatives under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019. She also served as the Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development.

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Aiyedatiwa Dissolves Cabinet, Retains Finance Commissioner, Attorney-General

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Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has dissolved the State Executive Council.
The State Executive Council members include commissioners, Special Advisers and the Secretary to the State Government, SSG.

Gov. Aiyedatiwa, however, exempted two members of the cabinet from the dissolution due to the critical nature of their duties.

The two commissioners exempted include the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, and the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac.

This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Mr Adeniyan said in the statement that “All the affected cabinet members are to hand over all government properties in their care to the accounting officers of their respective ministries.

Gov. Aiyedatiwa thanked the executive council members “for their service and contributions to the development of Ondo State under his administration and wished them well in their future endeavours”.

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