The Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, must resume his official duties at Government House, Akure or transmit power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) for Democracy made the demand in a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
Convener, Dr Tunji John Asaolu, said that the demand had become imperative to ensure effective governance in the state.
Akeredolu had months ago returned to Nigeria from a medical trip to Germany.
However, he has been running Ondo from his base in Ibadan, Oyo State, a development that has sparked protests in Ondo.
Asaolu said that the people of Ondo deserve transparent and accountable leadership, and will not stand idle while political machinations jeopardise the well-being of the state.
“We urge Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to prioritise the needs of the people and to resume his responsibilities without further delay or transfer power to his deputy. Our state cannot afford to be without effective leadership, and we demand swift action to rectify this situation.
“We call on all relevant authorities to urgently address this matter and ensure the seamless transition of governance to the Ondo deputy governor, in accordance with the provisions of the constitution.
“We remind all stakeholders that the constitution empowers the deputy governor to act in the governor’s absence. The political maneuvering preventing this is a violation of the very principles that underpin our democratic system. Ondo State deserves strong and unwavering leadership, especially in challenging times,” Asaolu said.