Aave Governance Vote Draws Backlash Over Snapshot Escalation
A governance proposal at DeFi lending protocol Aave triggered backlash after being escalated to a vote before community debate was resolved. The proposal asks if AAVE token holders should regain control over brand assets—including domains, social handles, naming rights, and IP—via a DAO-controlled legal entity. Aave founder Stani Kulechov defended moving to a vote, citing high community interest and compliance with requirements. However, former CTO Ernesto Boado, listed as the proposal's author, said it was advanced without his consent and violated community trust. Marc Zeller, of the Aave Chan Initiative, and other stakeholders criticized the unilateral escalation, timing during a holiday period, and limited opportunity for community input, characterizing it as a possible "hostile takeover" attempt. The events highlight broader governance issues within Aave, including the impact of process control over major decisions and the need for robust, transparent engagement in protocol governance.
