Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has passed away at the age of 67, according to reports on Wednesday.
A prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state mentioned that preparations are underway to inaugurate his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
There has been no official statement from the state government regarding the matter.
Despite attempts, confirmation from the Alagbaka Government House was not secured at the time this report was filed.
Initial reports stated that Akeredolu is making arrangements to return to Germany for additional treatment.
The governor’s spokesperson, Richard Olatunde, stated in a release that Akeredolu would send a letter to the state House of Assembly, officially transferring authority to his deputy, Lucy Aiyedatiwa, who will assume the role of acting governor.
Akeredolu, reportedly battling cancer, has been seeking treatment in Germany, during which he temporarily delegated responsibilities to Aiyedatiwa in an acting capacity.
The governor took a medical vacation from April 3 to July 10, 2023, during which he handed over his duties to the deputy governor. Upon returning on September 7, he notified the state House of Assembly in writing.
Read more: Akeredolu Finally Bows To Pressure, Transmits Power To Deputy
Following his return from a medical leave in Germany in September, the governor was not seen in Ondo State, with indications that he was staying at his private residence in Ibadan.
The governor’s absence resulted in a leadership vacuum within the state, leading to a division in the executive council with factions loyal to both the governor and supporters of the deputy governor.
All media aides attached to the office of the deputy governor were terminated by the governor in September, with an insider source revealing the dismissals were a consequence of insubordination and blatant disregard for proper authority.
After his second medical leave, Aiyedatiwa, serving in Akeredolu’s absence, appealed to the people of the state and stakeholders to collaborate in realizing the governor’s vision and advancing the state’s progress.
Akeredolu officially delegated authority to Aiyedatiwa to serve as the acting governor when he returned to Germany for a medical vacation. The governor communicated this development to the state House of Assembly through a formal letter.
The acting governor, in a statewide broadcast, admitted that the political crisis that had engulfed the state in recent time have challenged the love for the state and democracy, urging everyone to forget the past, come together, and join hands with him to develop the state.
He said, ‘Yesterday is already behind us. This is the time to carry aloft, with love and affection for one another, the laudable vision and mission of the governor for the state. I appeal to every member of the government of Ondo State for your genuine support, cooperation, and dedication.’
‘We need a renewed unity to berth the significant and accelerated development clearly envisioned and vigorously pursued by Mr. Governor.’
‘My good people of Ondo state, what happened in the past was a temporary delay in our democratic journey. As a government, we have recovered.’