President Bola Tinubu has reportedly instructed ailing Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to transfer power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, using an electronic signature due to the governor’s incapacity. Tinubu addressed the leadership crisis in Ondo, revealing that Akeredolu cannot physically sign any document.
Sources indicate that a meeting was summoned, involving Aiyedatiwa, House of Assembly Speaker Olamide Oladiji, Akeredolu’s son Babajide, and Senator Jimoh Ibrahim. Initially, it was proposed to invoke the doctrine of necessity, making Aiyedatiwa the acting governor, but concerns were raised about potentially humiliating the ailing governor.
Babajide Akeredolu pledged to obtain his father’s e-signature to transfer power. However, concerns were raised about potential forgery, considering the existing case of forgery in handling state affairs.
Pro-democracy organization Take-It-Back Movement is set to hold a town hall meeting and street protests on December 16, demanding Akeredolu’s resignation or return to office. A forensic report by the Association of Forensic Professionals of Nigeria confirmed the forgery of Akeredolu’s signature on an official document, adding complexity to the leadership crisis.
