Akeredolu To Begin Another Medical Leave, Gives Notice, To Write Assembly On Power Transmission To Deputy

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, for the second time within six months, has written to the state House of Assembly for approval to commence medical leave following continued deterioration of health.

This letter is coming after Monday’s meeting with President Bola Tinubu by some Political Leaders in the State, during which the President, allegedly, advised the Assembly to proclaim the Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as Acting Governor, using doctrine of necessity.

Akeredolu’s leave, according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, on Tuesday, will commence on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, as a follow-up to his medical treatment.

The statement added that “During his medical leave, Governor Akeredolu will prioritize 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.

“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.”

A group in the State, Acts For Positive Transformation Initiatives, through its spokesman, Kolawolre Johnson had advised that any letter from Governir Akeredolu to the state Assembly should be properly scrutinized in order that those that has been forging the governor’s signature, are not the one to sign it.

The group stated that  “The President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, intervened, once again, in the current political impasse in Ondo State and spoke decisively on the part of the provision of the law by ordering the immediate emergence of the Deputy Governor as the Acting Governor.

“The danger looming is that if a forged signature is allowed as the premise for transmission of power to Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, it will be difficult to reject the same forged signature on other documents that are currently in our possession and many more in different government agencies across the state.

“There can not be a rejection of the signature in some instances and acceptance of the same in other instances.

“We, however, do know that the President is fully in the know of Governor Akeredolu’s state of health at the moment, his level of lucidity, and his likely inability to sign any letter.

“It’s our concern that any attempt to accept a forged letter to the House of Assembly which will transfer power to the deputy governor in an acting capacity will confer some sort of legitimacy on the forgery already perpetrated.

“This will make it difficult for the forgers to face the full wrath of the law in the fullness of time as we are determined to bring perpetrators to face the law.

“In this circumstance, we suggest an electronic signature be used in place, or a law enforcement officer be sent alongside the Governor’s son to sign the letter in full glare of the camera.

“We advise that the right thing be done in making the deputy governor the acting governor while we pray for the full recuperation of the governor.”