Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is scheduled to commence his medical leave on Wednesday, following ongoing medical treatment.
His spokesperson, Richard Olatunde, announced that during Akeredolu’s absence, Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa will assume the role of acting governor.
Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, secured re-election in October 2020 and commenced his second term in February 2021.
However, his second term faced challenges, including a medical condition that led to overseas treatment in June 2023.
Pressure for resignation or power handover has mounted, and tensions within the state House of Assembly required intervention from President Bola Tinubu.
Akeredolu’s spokesperson emphasized the governor’s commitment to prioritizing health for a full recovery before resuming official duties.
The statement highlighted Akeredolu’s consistent practice of delegating power to his deputy during annual vacations, citing instances on April 1, 2021, April 1, 2022, April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023. A formal notice will be transmitted to the House of Assembly in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution.