By Allen Sowore, Esq.
I join the multitude in extending heartfelt congratulations to the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Olamide Oladiji, on the conferment of the Chief title, Baamoye of Ondo Kingdom. This prestigious title was bestowed upon him by His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, the Osemawe, and paramount ruler of Ondo Kingdom. Congratulations on the well-deserved recognition, Baamoye of Ondo Kingdom! It is evident that Kabiesi has bestowed upon you this title at this critical time to heighten your awareness of the enormous responsibility of your office. Otherwise, you may inevitably emerge as ‘Oloye Awodi.’
I commend the Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji Kazeem Yayi Akorede, for lending his voice to the current political stalemate in our dear state—a demonstration of true patriotism.
Likewise, I extend my salute to the Integrity Group for their unwavering commitment in the face of numerous threats and intimidation. Their resolute determination to salvage the state is commendable.
This intervention is dedicated to reawakening the consciousness of Mr. Speaker, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji (Baamoye of Ondo kingdom), emphasizing the need for him to act patriotically in the best interest of the state. Mr. Speaker must realize that the progress of the state at this critical time depends largely on him, and the entire state awaits his leadership.
To be explicit, if Ondo state is to emerge from its current state of limbo and political stalemate caused by the illness of the Governor and the connivance of members of the Cabal to exploit the state, it is the sacred duty and responsibility of the Speaker of the State Assembly to activate any of the options provided in the doctrine of necessity, as outlined in the Constitution.
The constitutional options are as follows:
Section 190 (2) of the 1999 Constitution: By passing a resolution mandating the Deputy Governor to act as the Governor in the best interest of the state.
Section 189 (4) of the 1999 Constitution: It is the duty of the Speaker to establish a medical panel to assess the Governor’s health condition, ensuring uninterrupted governance in our beloved Sunshine state.
Mr. Speaker must grasp his constitutional role and sacred duty at this crucial time in the state. It is crucial to prioritize the well-being of the state over unwavering loyalty to a leader who may no longer be aware of such allegiance.
This becomes imperative because the political stagnation and the usurpation of the office and power of the Governor have reached a critical point. We possess credible evidence indicating that the Governor’s son, Babajide, now travels in the Governor’s convoy with full security complement around the state, aiming to intimidate and create confusion. Daylight robbery and the commission of crimes under Mr. Governor’s name persist, largely due to the Speaker’s refusal to take action. Let it be on record that whatever transpires in Ondo state, the Speaker bears responsibility!
In Yoruba phraseology, Olóyè Àwòdì is an appellation given to an individual who possesses and occupies a position of authority but refuses or fails to utilize his exalted position.
