Aketi bows to pressure and hands over to his deputy while he is on medical leave abroad

GOVERNOR Rotimi Akeredolu has bowed to pressure and written to the Ondo State House of Assembly handing over the reins of power to his deputy Lucky Aiyedatiwa until July 6 when he will be back from his medical treatment abroad.

Earlier this month, Governor Akeredolu slipped out of the country for medical treatment after his health suddenly deteriorated. According to Hon Olamide Oladiji, the speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Governor Akeredolu embarked on the 21-day leave for medical treatment abroad on June 7 and he will be away until July 6.

Up until now, the governor had refused to hand over to his deputy but pressure has been mounting for him to do so over the last week. Bowing to this pressure, the governor has formally written to the Ondo State House of Assembly notifying it that he is ion medical leave.

This letter stated that Mr Aiyedatiwa, will act as governor for the period while Governor Akeredolu is away. According to the letter, the leave will extend to July 6 due to public holidays on June 12 (Democracy Day) and Eid el Kabir that will hold on June 28 and 29.

Hon Oladiji described the governor as a lover of peace and an apostle of the rule of law and wished him a speedy recovery and a joyful vacation. Opposition parties, including the Social Democratic Party and the Peoples Democratic Party, had demanded that the governor transmit power to his deputy in line with the provisions of the constitution due to his health challenges.

Governor Akeredolu has not been seen in his office for several weeks and it is known that he has health challenges. Although the governor’s aides admitted that he was indisposed, his condition and absence from duty led to political intrigues and a division in his cabinet, significantly impeding decision-making.

Some elements within the cabinet appeared to be uncomfortable with the deputy governor assuming power for unknown reasons. It was reported that forces in the corridors of power orchestrated several machinations to keep Mr Aiyedatiwa away from assuming the acting role as stipulated by the constitution.

Such devices include stories that he routinely beat his wife, an allegation the deputy governor denied and attributed to his detractors. So far, the Ondo State government has not disclosed the nature of Governor Akeredolu’s ailment and where specifically he will seek treatment abroad.