Power Transferred to Aiyedatiwa as Akeredolu Commences Medical Leave on Wednesday

According to Richard Olatunde, the governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who is now undergoing medical treatment, would begin his medical leave on Wednesday.

According to a statement released by Olatunde on Tuesday, Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa would step in as the acting governor while Akeredolu is out of the country.

Akeredolu, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was sworn in for a second term as governor of the state in February 2021 after winning re-election in October 2020.

Unfortunately, the governor’s second term, which began in January 2023, has not been without its bumps, since he was airlifted overseas for medical treatment in June due to a health issue. Upon his September return to Nigeria from months abroad, the 67-year-old politician remained in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

The 1999 constitution mandates that Akeredolu either step down or transfer authority to his deputy, and the pressure from the opposition and activists has been immense.

 

Additionally, Aiyedatiwa’s involvement by President Bola Tinubu was prompted by the governor’s allies in the state House of Assembly, who had been at odds with him.

According to Olatunde, the governor will “prioritise his health and ensure a full recovery before resuming his official duties” according to his statement.

The House of Assembly will receive a notice legally transferring authority in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution, as well as a formal letter concerning the medical leave.

While on vacation, Governor Akeredolu has always left important decisions to his deputy, who is a highly esteemed Nigerian and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. This behaviour was noted on four other occasions—April 1, 2021, April 1, 2022, April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023—during his prior vacations, according to the statement.