The ailing Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, is returning to Germany for further treatment, Daily Newslead can now report.
Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Richard Olatunde, in a statement on Tuesday, said Akeredolu would transmit a letter to the state House of Assembly handing over power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the acting governor.
Akeredolu who was said to be suffering from cancer, had been going to Germany to treat the ailment during which he handed over to Aiyedatiwa in an acting capacity.
The governor had gone on medical vacation on April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023, and had at that time, handed over to the deputy governor.
He returned to the country on September 7 and wrote the state House of Assembly informing the lawmakers.
Although the governor returned from a medical leave in Germany in September, he was not sighted in Ondo State as he was reported to be staying in his private residence in Ibadan.
His absence created a leadership vacuum in the state and the executive council was divided into two factions consisting of those loyal to the governor and loyalists of the deputy governor.
The governor in September sacked all the media aides attached to the office of the deputy governor.
The PUNCH quoted an insider source as saying that the aides were sacked as a result of insubordination and flagrance disregard to the appropriate authority.
In November, President Bola Tinubu held a meeting with the state All Progressive Congress leaders and the Speaker of the state Assembly, Mr. Olamide Oladiji.
Oladiji, while briefing the press in Akure on the outcome of the meeting on November 28 said the meeting agreed that all impeachment proceedings be terminated, and court cases should be withdrawn by all parties.
According to him, the deputy governor was asked to write an undated resignation letter before he could assume office.
But none of the resolutions was implemented as the feuding parties refused to withdraw their court cases.
Following Tinubu’s meeting with the state APC leaders and the deputy governor on Monday night, Akeredolu’s Chief Press Secretary, Olatunde, in his statement stated that his principal had decided to return to Germany for treatment on Wednesday.
According to Olatunde, “During his medical leave, Governor Akeredolu 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.
“In the absence of Governor Akeredolu, the Deputy Governor, Honurable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, will assume the responsibilities of the governor in an acting capacity. Governor Akeredolu expresses his gratitude for the unwavering support and affection of the people of Ondo State. He assures them that his administration remains committed to the path of progress and prosperity for the people.
“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,” Olatunde said.
