Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is set to commence his medical leave on Wednesday for follow-up medical treatment, according to his spokesman, Richard Olatunde.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Olatunde announced that during Akeredolu’s absence, Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa would 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, since January 2023, has faced challenges as he had to undergo medical treatment abroad for a health condition in June. The 67-year-old politician returned to Nigeria in September after spending months overseas but stayed in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Akeredolu has been under intense pressure from opposition parties and activists to resign or hand over power to his deputy in accordance with the 1999 constitution.
Additionally, conflicts within the state House of Assembly involving Aiyedatiwa have attracted intervention from President Bola Tinubu.
In his statement, Olatunde said 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,” the statement partly read.
Ada Peter
