Even as the pots are still boiling and joyous Ondo people popping the champagne, the Ikale Heritage Development Association, IHDA, has sent a congratulation message to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and his deputy Lucky Aiyedatiwa over their Court of Appeal victory on Wednesday.
Chairman of the socio-cultural group, Otunba Sola Olatunji describes the verdict as ‘sweet victory and a reflection of the Ondo People’s’ wish.
“We felicitate with Governor Akeredolu and his deputy,” Otunba Olatunji said. “The Ondo people made a decision on October 20, 2020 and chose the incumbent and Wednesday’s verdict is just a confirmation of the people’s wish and power to choose.”
After the verdict, Arakunrin Akeredolu in his magnanimity called on his friend, Eyitayo Jegede to bury the hatchet and team up with him to develop the state. Olatunji, while praising the governor’s guts says that gesture is a hallmark of a real leader, appealing to Jegede to seize the opportunity with both hands.
“The governor has done noble in calling his friend and colleague at the Bar to team up with him to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people,’ he said. “I sincerely think Jegede should jettison the idea of going to the Supreme Court and work with his friend. There is enough work for every progressive minded Ondo indigene in the state.”
The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, the Ondo State, dismissed the petition filed by Jegede (SAN), the gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) against the election of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) on Wednesday.
Reading the lead judgment which lasted over two hours, Justice Theresa Ngolika Orji-Abadua, said the case filed by Jegede lacks merit.
Meanwhile, the PDP and Jegede have rejected the verdict, threatening to head for the Supreme Court for the final legal battle.
