Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo State, officially delegated authority to Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Monday after weeks of rumors about his health and extended absence from the state.
Akeredolu informed the Ondo State House Assembly in a letter that Aiyedatiwa would serve as Governor while Akeredolu is away on medical leave. The letter was addressed to Olamide Oladiji, the Speaker of the Ondo State House Assembly.
Concern over the governor’s whereabouts led opposition parties to urge him to give the deputy governor more authority in order to prevent a constitutional crisis.
The Speaker announced that from June 7 to July 6, 2023, Akeredolu would travel for a 21-day medical appointment.
The letter explained that due to the public holidays on June 12 (Democracy Day) and Eid el Kabir (June 28 and 29, 2023), the leave, which began on June 7, has been extended to July 6, 2023.
The Governor was characterized by the Speaker as a supporter of the rule of law and a lover of peace.
In addition to wishing him a speedy recovery and relaxing vacation, he assured the residents of Ondo State that the Deputy Governor would effectively run the state’s operations while the Governor was away.
