Politics
Avert Repetition Of 1983 Post-Election Crisis In Ondo, Lawyer Writes Tinubu
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.
He predicted that before the next election cycle, Abia’s political landscape would witness broken alliances, surprising mergers, and new contenders emerging from within established networks.
Prophet Arogun concluded with a broader appeal to Nigeria’s political leaders, emphasizing the need for justice, peace, and integrity in public governance.
“Nigeria is the assignment. Only righteousness will stabilize this nation. Only fairness will preserve the mandate. Let those who have ears hear”, he said softly.
Senator Makarfi’s resignation comes on the heels of the national convention that saw the emergence of the new Chairman of PDP, Dr Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN).
In his letter of resignation, which was addressed to the PDP BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and made available to journalists in Kaduna on Monday evening, the former governor said, “Chairman and Members of the Board of Trustees may recall that about two months ago I had resigned as Secretary of the Board and posted same on the Board’s WhatsApp platform.
“Mr Chairman, you may also recall that you personally urged me to stay on until after a convention that produced a Chairman.”
He added that the principal reason he initially tendered his resignation then “and now, was and is still my belief that the National Chairman of the Party and Secretary of the Board of Trustees should not come from the same geopolitical zone.
“Now that a chairman has emerged from the North West, where I come from, it’s necessary to give him full space to do the needful. Accordingly, I hereby formally resign as Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party with effect from today, November 17th, 2025.”
While commending the BoT Chairman for his support during his tenure as Secretary of the Board, he stressed, “I truly appreciate the very respectful relationship between us during my period as Secretary,” adding that, “I also appreciate all Board members for their support and the good relationship that prevailed during my period as Secretary.”
Meanwhile, Dr Turaki on Monday pledged to ensure that power returns to the Nigerian people, urging the judiciary to uphold the tenets of democracy.
Dr Turaki, while giving his acceptance speech after the swearing-in of new officers at the end of the Elective Convention of the PDP in Ibadan, assured that there will be “no more impunity, no more suppression of the will of Nigerians”.
The chairman appealed to the judiciary to uphold the principles of stare decision, abiding by the decisions of the Supreme Court, and not to “willingly or unwillingly put yourselves in a situation where, rightly or wrongly, it may be assumed, correctly or incorrectly, that you are part and parcel of the process to truncate Nigerian democracy.”
According to him, the new leadership of the party would be open to listening to the yearnings of members, with a view to aligning with their will, declaring that “No more monkey dey work, baboon dey chop,” adding that “if baboon wants to chop, baboon must be seated to work.”
He noted that the PDP has maintained its original name, motto and logo, unlike the other parties that started with it, making it a recognised brand anywhere in Nigeria.
