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Ailing Ondo State Governor, Akeredolu Extends Medical Leave Abroad Indefinitely

FILE
July 10, 2023

The extension was contained in a letter he forwarded to the State House of Assembly.

 

The Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has extended his medical leave indefinitely overseas.

The extension was contained in a letter he forwarded to the State House of Assembly.

The date of the governor’s resumption was not however stated in the letter.

The Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, said the governor’s action was in line with Section 190 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

According to the letter, his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa would continue to act as Governor until there is a written declaration to the contrary.

SaharaReporters had last week reported that Akeredolu assured Nigerians and residents of the state that he would soon return after his full recovery.

The bedridden governor had in a statement appreciated President Bola Tinubu and his political partly, the All Progressive Congress (APC) for the immense support they had shown him since the moment he was admitted to the hospital.

For Ondo residents, Akeredolu said he was willing to join them the moment his doctors certify that he could return to the country.

The statement had read, “I pen this message with a heart overflowing with immense gratitude and deep appreciation your dedication, understanding ceaseless prayers and messages of goodwill during my journey to recovery have been nothing short of a soothing balm for my soul. Your unwavering support and genuine affection have sustained my determination to renewed vigour and, most importantly to continue serving you, the good people of Ondo State

“I am profoundly grateful to our esteemed President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his team as well as all political party leaders, my brother Governors; the State Executive Council and the members of the State House of Assembly for their unwavering support. Your collective strength and solidarity have uplifted my spirit and reaffirmed my commitment to our shared vision for progress and development.

“While I remain on the path to recovery, I eagerly await the moment when I will stand among you once again, rest assured in high spirits and have full faith in the expertise of my doctors. I will return to you ALL as soon as they deem it expedient.

“My dear people once again your prayers, support and the rejuvenating elixir of goodwill you have bestowed upon me have fortified my resolve. I am resolute in my dedication to serving you and working tirelessly for the betterment of our beloved Ondo State. Thank you from the depths of my heart.”

Earlier this year, SaharaReporters had exclusively reported that Akeredolu became bedridden and was in his residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, and that he was set to be flown out of Nigeria following his deteriorating health condition.

Sources had told SaharaReporters that he was unable to sign official documents due to his health condition.
It was also learnt that to prevent pictures of the governor’s emaciated looks from getting out, the family had asked security agents and a few politicians around him to put off their mobile phones.

The Ondo State government had thereafter confirmed the report, saying Akeredolu was indisposed but still alive and not dead, according to some unverified claims.