Akeredolu can Govern Ondo from Anywhere in Nigeria, Says Lawyer

Prominent human rights lawyer, Morakinyo Ogele, has affirmed that the Constitution of Nigeria permits Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to administer the affairs of Ondo State from any part of the country, citing the provisions in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday to address the ongoing debates surrounding the governor’s location, Ogele argued that such concerns were baseless, given the absence of any disruption in the state’s governance.

Ogele asserted that the Nigerian constitution does not require a governor to reside in the state they were elected to govern. The issue of Akeredolu’s absence from the state had sparked public outcry, particularly following his return from a medical vacation in Germany about five weeks ago.

“The constitution is crystal clear on this matter. At present, no one is accusing the governor of failing to fulfill his constitutional duties. Section 189 of the Constitution is unambiguous. Akeredolu is performing his duties as governor,” stated the legal expert.

“The absence of a governor from the state does not invalidate their ability to carry out their constitutional responsibilities. The constitution fails to address whether a governor can operate from outside the state. As far as I’m concerned, Akeredolu has propelled the state’s development. His administration’s infrastructure projects are a testament to that,” Ogele added, highlighting the ongoing construction of the first flyover in the state capital and previous projects in Ore.

Meanwhile, Benson Enikuomehin, the former representative of Ondo State on the Board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), expressed concerns about the absence of Governor Akeredolu, stating that it has adversely impacted the state. He pointed out that the governor had temporarily transferred power to his deputy during his medical treatment abroad but criticized the lack of authority given to the deputy governor to make decisions during Akeredolu’s absence. Enikuomehin also raised questions about the influence of the governor’s family on state affairs, calling for a more structured governance approach.