Ondo Governor Aiyedatiwa Reveals Strategic Move That Secured His Position Amid Impeachment Threat

During a speech on Wednesday in Abuja at the Body of Benchers’ inaugural Annual Lecture and the public presentation of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee’s report, Aiyedatiwa acknowledged that both divine intervention and the rule of law were key to his survival amid the political turmoil that nearly led to his removal from office.

In 2023, while serving as acting governor due to the medical leave of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Aiyedatiwa faced impeachment proceedings initiated by the Ondo State House of Assembly. The Assembly accused him of gross misconduct and called for the formation of a seven-man panel to investigate the allegations, as per the Nigerian Constitution. However, an Abuja court issued an ex parte order on September 26, 2023, halting the proceedings, which the state’s Chief Judge upheld, preventing any further action until the court order was lifted. By October 16, 2023, the Assembly confirmed that impeachment efforts were suspended.

Aiyedatiwa eventually assumed full office as governor following Akeredolu’s death in December 2023. Reflecting on his political journey, Aiyedatiwa credited the rule of law as essential to his survival, saying, “After God, the rule of law was instrumental in my survival. It strengthened my belief in its importance.”

He continued, “I am a proud beneficiary of the rule of law. In the face of the political and intense plot to impeach me as deputy governor in 2023, after God, the rule of law was crucial to my rescue. Perhaps I wouldn’t be standing here today without it.”

Aiyedatiwa also called on the Nigerian judiciary to embrace technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, to improve justice delivery. He stressed, “We are at a pivotal moment in history, where embracing technological advancements is essential in advancing legal practice.”

Concluding, Aiyedatiwa highlighted the importance of adapting Nigeria’s legal framework to modern realities, calling for the continued preservation and strengthening of its educational and ethical foundation.