Mohammed Shosanya
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has transmitted power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
He would also be embarking on another medical leave on Wednesday.
The Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, at the plenary on Tuesday confirmed that he has received a letter from Governor Akeredolu informing the House on his decision to embark on another medical leave on Wednesday and transmitting power to the deputy governor on acting capacity.
But the state House of Assembly will effect the letter on Wednesday on the floor of the House.
Earlier, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Richard Olatunde, had in on Tuesday informed journalists in Akure, the Ondo State capital, that the governor would embarking on a medical leave on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the medical leave is a follow-up to treatment he had earlier received.
He was to face his health squarely and ensure full recovery before returning to his official duty post.
His deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa would take over the running of the state affairs in acting capacity when the state House of Assembly sits on Wednesday.
The statement reads in parts: “Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu-led, SAN,CON, will lcommence his medical leave on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, as a follow-up to his medical treatment.
“During his medical leave, Governor Akeredolu will prioritise his health and ensure a full recovery before resuming his official duties.
“A formal letter regarding the medical leave and a notice formally transferring power in line with the Nigerian Constitution will be transmitted to the House of Assembly.
“In the absence of Governor Akeredolu, the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, will assume the responsibilities of the Governor in acting capacity.
“Governor Akeredolu expresses his gratitude for the unwavering support and affection of the people of Ondo State. He assures them that his administration remains committed to the path of progress and prosperity for the people.”
The latest development was as a result of the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday.
There had been power tussle between members of the state cabinet who claimed to be loyalists of the governor and Deputy Governor Luck Aiyedatiwa with his loyalists.
The earlier Intervention of the president hit the rock as soon as brokered when the factions fed the people of the state with distorted outcome and resolutions of the truce.
The latest alarm raised by the state Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Razaq Obe confirming that the signature of Governor Akeredolu was forged on a document he sent to the governor for approval on Friday last week, forced Mr. President to order recourse to dictate of the Constitution.
Governor Akeredolu after spending three months on medical leave, he returned to the country and stayed back in his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State.
He didn’t visit the state throughout the time he returned and there was no official statement to tht effect.
It is expected that Aiyedatiwa would take over in acting capacity in the next 24 hours since the governor is jetting out of the country for medical check-up on Wednesday.
According to Olatunde’s statement, “As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a widely respected Nigerian, Governor Akeredolu has consistently delegated power to his deputy during his annual vacations. This practice was observed on April 1, 2021, April 1, 2022, April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023, when he embarked on previous vacations.”