After weeks of speculation surrounding the health of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State, and his prolonged absence from the state, he officially transferred power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday.
Akeredolu wrote a letter to Olamide Oladiji, the Speaker of the Ondo State House Assembly, informing the Assembly that Aiyedatiwa would act as Governor while he is on medical leave abroad.
The Governor’s whereabouts had caused concern in the state, with opposition parties calling on him to delegate power to the deputy governor to avoid a constitutional crisis.
The Speaker confirmed that Akeredolu would be on a 21-day medical leave abroad, starting from June 7 to July 6, 2023.
The letter stated that the leave, which started on June 7, has been extended to July 6, 2023, due to the public holidays on June 12 (Democracy Day) and Eid el Kabir (June 28th and 29th, 2023).
The Speaker described the Governor as a lover of peace and an advocate for the rule of law.
He wished him a speedy recovery and an enjoyable vacation, while assuring the people of Ondo State that the Deputy Governor would efficiently handle the affairs of the state in the Governor’s absence.
