The Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, yesterday proceeded on 21-day medical leave and handed over power to his deputy Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
Akeredolu stated this in a letter to Ondo State House of Assembly. Rumour of ill-health had trailed the governor for some weeks.
There have been calls from opposition parties and civil society in the state on the need for Governor Akeredolu to transfer power to his deputy to act on his behalf for the smooth running of government in the state.
However, the Ondo State House of Assembly upon receipt of the governor’s letter approved his medical leave. Speaker of the House, Rt.Hon.Olamide Oladiji who disclosed this in Akure, the State capital, explained that the governor embarked on a 21-day leave for medical treatment abroad starting from the 7th of June, 2023 to the 6th of July, 2023.
According to the letter, the leave which commenced on the 7th of June,extends to the 6th of July, 2023 due to the Public Holidays on June 12 (Democracy Day) and Eid el Kabir (28th and 29th, June, 2023)
The governor, who had directed his Deputy, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to act as the governor while away, has assured of his resumption on the 6th of July, 2023.
The speaker, who described the governor as a lover of peace and an apostle of the rule of law, wished him a speedy recovery and a joyful vacation.