In response to pressure from various political factions in Ondo State, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has formally notified the State House of Assembly that he is on leave and that his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, will serve as acting governor.
In a statement, the Speaker of the House, Olamide Oladiji, stated that Mr. Akeredolu began his 21-day medical leave abroad on June 7 and will remain absent until July 6.
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Due to public holidays on June 12 (Democracy Day) and Eid el Kabir (June 28 and 29), the letter states that the leave will be extended to July 6.
“The Governor, who had directed his Deputy, Hon.Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to act as the Governor while away, has assured of his resumption on the 6th of July, 2023,” the statement said.
The Speaker characterized the governor as a peace-lover and a proponent of the rule of law.
He wished him a rapid recovery and a relaxing holiday.
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Due to his health problems, opposition parties, including the Social Democratic Party and the Peoples Democratic Party, demanded that the governor transfer power to his deputy in accordance with the Constitution.
Mr. Akeredolu has not been seen in his office for a number of weeks, and it is known that he is experiencing health issues.
Although the governor's aides acknowledged that he was ill, his condition and absence from duty led to political intrigues and a rift within his cabinet, which substantially hampered decision-making.
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Unknown factors appeared to make some cabinet members uncomfortable with the deputy governor assuming the role of interim governor.
As per the constitution, Mr. Aiyedatiwa was prevented from assuming the role of interim president by machinations orchestrated by powerful forces, according to reports.
Such strategies include allegations that he routinely beats his wife, which the deputy governor's camp denied and attributed to his opponents.
The state government has not disclosed Mr. Akeredolu's ailment or the specific country where he will seek treatment.
