Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has relented to mounting pressure as the prolonged political deadlock seems to be nearing its end after announcing his impending medical leave scheduled to commence on Wednesday, which would be a follow-up to his ongoing medical treatment.
A statement released to the press on Tuesday by the governor’s spokesperson, Richard Olatunde, clarified that during Akeredolu’s absence, Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa will assume the governor’s responsibilities in an acting capacity.
The deteriorating health condition of Akeredolu has plunged the state into a leadership crisis, with claims of power struggles within the government, as allegations of power mongers taking advantage of his ill-health for personal gains had circulated on the media.
The 67-year-old governor underwent medical treatment abroad in June and returned to Nigeria in September after an extended period overseas, staying at his personal residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Facing mounting pressure from opposition parties and activists, there have been calls for his resignation or for him to hand over power to his deputy in line with the provisions of the 1999 constitution.
Olatunde emphasized in his statement that the governor’s priority is to focus on his health and ensure a complete recovery before resuming official duties.
The statement partly reads, “The governor will prioritise his health and ensure a full recovery before resuming his official duties”.
“A formal letter regarding the medical leave and a notice formally transferring power in line with the Nigerian Constitution will be transmitted to the House of Assembly.
“As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a widely respected Nigerian, Governor Akeredolu has consistently delegated power to his deputy during his annual vacations. This practice was observed on April 1, 2021, April 1, 2022, April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023, when he embarked on previous vacations.”
