THERE are fresh concerns over the health and capacity of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to continue to lead Ondo State.
Sources within the government confirmed to The ICIR on Friday, June 2, that the governor’s health was deteriorating and he needed “serious prayers.”
A report claims the governor is scheduled to be flown out of Nigeria today, Saturday, June 3, for treatment.
Akeredolu was sworn in for a second term of four years on February 24, 2021.
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He is the 18th person to lead Ondo State since its creation in 1976 and the sixth elected governor of the state.
The ICIR also reports that he was the most vocal governor in Nigeria’s South against atrocities committed by non-state actors, including herders’ rampages that killed hundreds and insurgency and banditry that spiralled in many northern states during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure.
In January, his wife, Betty, attacked one of her husband’s female aides, Bunmi Ademosu, for allegedly interfering in the governor’s health management. She also said Ademosu was plotting to become the state deputy governor.
Betty’s recorded audio outburst against Ademosu leaked from a Whatsapp page having the governor’s appointees.
Part of the message says, “I have a message for Ademosu. I don’t have her number, and I don’t think she is worthy of me having her number. I want this woman to stay away from my husband. Stop sneaking in concoction.”
She alleged that Ademosu brought the concoction from “her fake pastors” to give her husband to drink.
“We rely on medical care, we rely on Western style of medical care, and Aketi will get well.”
“What has triggered this very message is her recent meetings to become the deputy governor of Ondo State. Look at you; what have you got upstairs to become the deputy governor of Ondo State? Peradventure, anything happens to Aketi, Lucky takes over; it’s a constitutional thing.
“But for you to be scheming, for you to be scheming. I warned Aketi from the beginning that this woman is evil, this woman is no good, and it’s happening. She has nothing good for you, and I warned you. This woman is bloody evil. But I’m warning her for the very last time to stay away from my husband.”
Betty stressed that Ademosu should know she was dealing with an Igbo woman (Betty is an Igbo, one of the three largest tribes in Nigeria).
She vowed to deal with Ademosu mercilessly and make her live the rest of her life in regret should anything happen to her husband.
Akeredolu proceeded on a two-week working vacation as part of his annual leave on April 3. He promised to resume work on April 26.
In a letter addressed to the state’s House of Assembly Speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun, the governor was to hand over to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
However, the recent fears over Akeredolu’s health are raising concerns in the state as the true situation of things remain uncertain.
The Social Democratic Paty (SDP) in the state has reacted to the issue in a statement issued by its chairman, Stephen Adewale, in Akure, the state capital.
He said being a public officer, the governor’s health record should not be shrouded in secrecy.
“In the past 24 hours, the rumour of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s poor health has dominated the media and spread like wildfire in Ondo State.
“While it is no longer news that Governor Akeredolu is dealing with health issues, as this was made clear in the viral voice note that was released by Ondo State First Lady, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu, in recent weeks, the governor’s rumoured battle with blood cancer, his bedridden condition, and his inability to sign documents have taken centre stage.
“While the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State had enthusiastically and eagerly anticipated that the Governor would refute such rumours by presenting himself to the public, the silence from the Governor’s camp and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State is concerning and alarming. To us at Ondo SDP, therefore, their silence and failure to deny or confirm the information imply consent.”
The party said there were doubts over the governor’s capacity to continue to govern the state.
It added that the situation undermined the ability of the state government to fulfil its obligations and commitments.
The party called on the governor to make his medical records public to lessen tension in the state.
“We strongly believe that the good people of Ondo State have the right to know about the medical conditions of Arakunrin Akeredolu.
“In contrast to ordinary residents who have the right to keep their health state to themselves, high-level elected officials like Arakunrin, whose treatment is being paid for by the public, cannot hide behind personal rules.”
On April 18, 2022, The ICIR reported the governor dismissing rumours of his death.
Marcus bears the light, and he beams it everywhere. He's a good governance and decent society advocate. He's The ICIR Reporter of the Year 2022 and has been the organisation's News Editor since September 2023. Contact him via email @ mfatunmole@icirnigeria.org