Ondo State Executive Council passes a vote of confidence in Governor Akeredolu despite his absence

MEMBERS of the Ondo State executive council have passed a vote of confidence in Governor Rotimi Akeredolu despite him being away at his private residence in Ibadan where he is recovering from an unexplained illness after receiving medical treatment abroad.

In September this year,  Governor Akeredolu returned from abroad having left country in June for medical treatment after his health suddenly deteriorated. However, since he returned, things have got very ugly as the governor has frowned on the activities of his deputy, who stood in for him while he was away.

On June 7, Governor Akeredolu wrote to the Ondo State House of Assembly asking it to transfer power to his deputy Lucky Aiyedatiwa as acting governor while he was away. However, since the governor has returned, the Ondo State House of Assembly has begun investigating Mr Aiyedatiwa amid reports that he misappropriated funds while he was acting governor.

Over recent weeks, the political atmosphere in the state has been tense, with Mr Aiyedatiwa facing impeachment and Governor Akeredolu having to answer why he has remained at his private residence in Ibadan since returning from abroad. To end this uncertainty, 33 of the 35 members of the Ondo State Executive Council, signed a statement declaring their unflinching trust in the governor.

However, two members of the cabinet failed to sign the statement. It was published by the secretary to the state government Mrs Oladunni Odu, the chief of staff to the governor Mr Olugbenga Ale, commissioners, the head of service Kayode Ogundele and special advisers.

The statement read in part: “In fulfilment of our dedicated responsibilities to advance the programmes and policies of the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu-led administration, encapsulated in the Redeemed Agenda aimed at enhancing the lives of the people and fostering development across the state, we proudly commend the people’s governor for the unprecedented progress under his leadership. As members of the state executive council, we have imbibed the principles of good governance, integrity, and commitment from the very best Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.

"The courage and exemplary leadership consistently displayed by Mr Governor continue to motivate and inspire us to fulfil our duties. Without hesitation, Mr Governor is a blessing to the good people of Ondo State and his leadership has been rewarding and inspirational.

"Governor Akeredolu is not only a worthy leader but also a national asset who passionately pursues the welfare of the country. This patriotic leadership is characterised by unwavering courage in leading the people of the Sunshine State towards prosperity and progress.”

However, the commissioner for energy and mineral resources Razak Obe and the commissioner for commerce, industry and cooperative services, Akin Sowore, who did not sign the document, claimed that they were not carried along. In their separate reactions, the two commissioners said they were not in the state when other cabinet members issued and signed the statement.