AILING Ondo state governor Rotimi Akeredolu has embarked on a 21-day medical leave.
He has consequently handed over power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
On June 3, The ICIR reported how stakeholders in the state’s politics and other citizens expressed concerns over the governor’s health.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, the governor said he would travel on June 7 and return on July 6.
He excluded public holidays from his leave.
Oladiji told other lawmakers on Tuesday, June 13, that the governor meant well for the state, and the people should pray for his full recovery.
The ICIR reports that Akeredolu’s ill health became noticeable shortly after his mother died in September 2022.
The governor proceeded then 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 he addressed to the erstwhile state House of Assembly Speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun, the governor said he would be handing over to Aiyedatiwa.
The Social Democratic Paty (SDP) in the state was among the stakeholders that expressed concerns over the governor’s health early this month when it became glaring that he could no longer discharge his official duties.
Speaking through its chairman, Stephen Adewale, in Akure, the state capital, the party said being a public officer, the governor’s health status should not be shrouded in secrecy.
Akeredolu’s health had led to a war between his wife, Betty, and one of his female aides, Bunmi Ademosu.
The governor’s wife accused Ademosu of plotting to become the deputy governor when the deputy – Aiyedatiwa – takes over should her husband die.
She poured expletives on Ademosu, whom she accused of feeding her husband with a concoction procured from a fake pastor.
Betty’s recorded audio outburst against Ademosu leaked from a Whatsapp page having the governor’s appointees.
The ICIR reports that Akeredolu was sworn in for a second term of four years on February 24, 2021.
He is the 18th person to lead Ondo State since its creation in 1976, and the sixth elected governor of the state.
He has been the most vocal governor in Nigeria’s southern region against atrocities committed by non-state actors, including herders, kidnappers, insurgents and bandits, who killed many people during former president Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure.
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 2022. Contact him via email @ [email protected].