Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has yielded to mounting pressures from various political quarters and formally notified the State House of Assembly of his decision to take a leave of absence. In his letter, he stated that his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, should act as governor in his absence.
The Speaker of the House, Olamide Oladiji, confirmed this development in a statement, disclosing that Governor Akeredolu embarked on a 21-day leave for medical treatment abroad starting from June 7th and will be away until July 6th.
The duration of the leave was extended to July 6th to accommodate public holidays such as Democracy Day on June 12th and Eid el Kabir on June 28th and 29th.
Governor Akeredolu has entrusted his deputy, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, with the responsibility of acting as the governor during his absence, assuring that he will resume his duties on July 6th, 2023.
The Speaker described Governor Akeredolu as a peacemaker and a staunch advocate of the rule of law. She wished him a swift recovery and a pleasant vacation.
Opposition parties, including the Social Democratic Party and the Peoples Democratic Party, had called for the governor to transfer power to his deputy in accordance with constitutional provisions due to his health challenges.
Governor Akeredolu has been absent from his office for several weeks, and it is known that he is facing health issues. While his aides have acknowledged his indisposition, his condition and prolonged absence have triggered political maneuvering and divisions within his cabinet, hampering effective decision-making.
Certain factions within the cabinet have exhibited unease about the deputy governor assuming the role of acting governor for undisclosed reasons. Reports suggest that influential figures within the corridors of power have engaged in various maneuvers to prevent Mr. Aiyedatiwa from assuming the acting role as stipulated by the constitution.
