Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is set to commence his medical leave on Wednesday, following ongoing medical treatment, according to his spokesman, Richard Olatunde.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, Olatunde disclosed that during Governor Akeredolu’s absence, Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa will assume the responsibilities of the governor in an acting capacity.
Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), secured re-election as the state governor in October 2020 and was sworn in for a second term in office in February 2021.
However, his second term has been marked by challenges since January 2023, leading to his overseas medical treatment in June. The 67-year-old politician returned to Nigeria in September but remained in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Amidst calls for resignation or the transfer of power to his deputy, Akeredolu’s loyalists in the state House of Assembly clashed with Aiyedatiwa, prompting intervention from President Bola Tinubu.
In the official statement, Olatunde emphasized the governor’s commitment to prioritizing his health for a full recovery before resuming official duties. A formal letter detailing the medical leave and officially transferring power in line with the Nigerian Constitution will be submitted to the House of Assembly.
The statement highlighted Governor Akeredolu’s consistent practice of delegating power to his deputy during annual vacations, citing instances on April 1, 2021, April 1, 2022, April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023.
Credit Channels TV