Akeredolu's spokesman concedes that he is ill as the spat between his wife and mistress continues

GOVERNOR Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has acknowledged that he is currently facing several health challenges but has said there is no cause for alarm as the furore over his wellbeing escalated into a full0blown spat between his wife and mistress.

Over the last week, the governor has been reported ill, with his wife Mrs Betty Akeredolu blaming his illness on a female aide known Bunmi Ademosun. Said to be the Aketi's mistress, Ms Ademosun is the special adviser on multilateral and inter-governmental affairs to the Ondo State governor.

According to Mrs Akeredolu, her husband is on a sick bed after eating a concoction made by Ms Ademosun, who she said sneaked in to give her husband the local herb. Acknowledging that the governor is currently unwell, Richard Olatunde, his spokesman, said that like every other person, Governor Akeredolu had a health challenge but has received treatment and is recuperating speedily.

He added that his principal is not a superhuman and the immunity his office enjoys does not extend to physical wellness or otherwise. However, Mr Olatunde noted that contrary to speculation, the governor though frail, is discharging his official functions and not faced with any life-threatening illness.

Among other things, Mr Olatunde listed Aketi's his recent engagements including last week’s executive council meeting and security council meeting, where decisions were taken on the escalated clashes in Ikare-Akoko. Appreciating the prayers for the governor, even beyond partisan lines, Mr Olatunde urged all persons of goodwill to ignore unfounded insinuations capable of creating any false sense of needless anxiety.

Mr Olatunde said: “The governor, who participated in rigorous campaign activities on the 7th of January, couldn’t have been bedridden as widely speculated. Last Friday, Governor Akeredolu still inaugurated a new refrigerated van for the use of meat dealers in the state. He also received the Melvin Jones Award of the Lions Club International on the same day.”

However, while all this is going on, Mrs Akeredolu is reported to be fuming with Ms Ademosun. who she has accused of wanting to become governor. In a leaked audio message, Mrs Akeredolu warned Ms Ademosun to stay away from her husband or face her wrath.

Mrs Akeredolu said: “What has triggered this very message was her recent meeting to become the deputy governor of the state. Look at you! What have you got upstairs to be the deputy governor of Ondo?

“Peradventure, if anything happens to Aketi, Lucky, Aiyedatiwa, the  incumbent deputy takes over. It’s a constitutional thing but not for you to be scheming.

“I warned Aketi from day one that this woman is evil and not good and it’s happening. She has nothing good. I’m warning her for the very last time to stay away from my husband.

“I will deal with you mercilessly. You’ll never forget in your life. You are a very terrible human being. Go away and enjoy your loot."