Why We Agree To Resolve Our Crisis – Ondo Lawmakers

By Oluniyi Akintunde, Akure

The leadership crisis rocking the Ondo State House of Assembly has finally been put to an end, as the two factions have reconciled and settled their differences ‘in the interest of the state’.

The 13 Lawmakers led by the impeached speaker of the House, Mrs Jumoke Akindele have withdrawn the suit earlier instituted before an Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure against the Clerk of the House and 13 other lawmakers led by Hon Coker Malachi.

In a letter dated March 13, 2017 addressed to the Registrar, Ondo State High Court and Counsel to the 13 lawmakers loyal to Coker, Mr Charles Titiloye, Mrs Akindele applied to withdraw the suit with number AK/25/2017 in the interest of the state.

When the case came up on Tuesday, Mrs Akindele’s counsel, Mr Olumide Ogidan informed the Court that he had the instruction of his client to withdraw the suit from court.

The respondents’ counsel, Mr Titiloye did not oppose the application for the withdrawal of the suit as he obliged with the application.

Ogidan who did not ask for cost against the claimants, said his decision was based on the instruction by his client (Mrs Akindele), adding that the decision was in the spirit of reconciliation among the parties involved in the case.

The presiding judge, Justice A. Adegoroye struck out the suit based on the withdrawal application.

It would be recalled that towards the end of the tenure of former governor Olusegun Mimiko, the house was thrown into crisis following the impeachment of Akindele by 13 lawmakers over allegation of fraud.

The crisis also prevented Mimiko from presenting the 2017 budget before the House of Assembly for approval.

However, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu after assuming office two weeks ago, met the two factions separately and broker peace among the lawmakers.

The two factions thereafter agreed to put an end to the crisis and work together in the interest of the state.