Akeredolu to take medical leave starting Wednesday, with power transmitted to Aiyedatiwa

Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo State, would begin his medical leave on Wednesday in response to his medical care, according to his spokesperson Richard Olatunde.

According to a statement released by Olatunde on Tuesday, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the deputy governor, will operate as governor in Akeredolu’s absence.

Read Also: Dangote Refinery contributes to Nigeria’s struggling economy- Peter Obi

After winning reelection as the state governor in October 2020, Akeredolu—a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former NBA president—was sworn in for a second term in office in February 2021.

The governor’s second term, which began in January 2023, hasn’t been without its difficulties, though, since in June he needed to travel overseas for medical attention. After spending months abroad, the 67-year-old politician came back to Nigeria in September and settled in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

Opposition parties and activists have put Akeredolu under tremendous pressure to step down or transfer power to his deputy in accordance with the 1999 constitution.

Additionally, there has been conflict between the governor’s supporters in the state House of Assembly and Aiyedatiwa, prompting President Bola Tinubu to intervene.

The governor would “prioritise his health and ensure a full recovery before resuming his official duties,” according to Olatunde’s statement.

“The House of Assembly will receive a formal letter about the medical leave and a notice officially transferring power in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution.

As a highly esteemed Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Governor Akeredolu has habitually assigned authority to his deputy while on yearly holidays. The statement stated in part, “This practice was noticed on April 1, 2021, April 1, 2022, April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023, when he embarked on previous vacations.