Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has transferred power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, ahead of another round of medical leave, following intervention by President Bola Tinubu. The transfer is in line with the Nigerian Constitution, and Aiyedatiwa will assume the responsibilities of the Governor in acting capacity. A formal letter regarding the medical leave and a notice transferring power will be sent to the House of Assembly. This move comes amid legal and political challenges, including a lawsuit by Ode Aye community over the location of the headquarters of the Ikale North Local Council Development Area.
Governor Akeredolu’s absence since June 2023 has raised concerns, with allegations of forgery of his signature on official documents. He had previously taken a medical leave from June to August and has now announced another medical vacation to Germany in a few days to address his undisclosed ailment.
Additionally, the creation of 33 local council development areas (LCDAs) in the state, assented to by Akeredolu in September, has faced opposition from Ode Aye and other communities, alleging political manipulation in the selection of LCDA headquarters. The legal and political challenges continue to add complexity to the governance and political landscape in Ondo State.
He also reassured the people of Ondo that Akeredolu remains devoted to economic progress and prosperity of the state.
“In the absence of Governor Akeredolu, the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, will assume the responsibilities of the Governor in acting capacity,” said the CPS.
“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.”
