Ondo Governor, Akeredolu, hands over power to deputy
Ondo Governor, Akeredolu, hands over power to deputy
The Ondo State House of Assembly has confirmed receipt of a letter for medical leave from Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Olamide Oladiji in a statement on Tuesday in Akure, explained that the governor asked for 21-day leave for medical treatment abroad starting from June 7 to July 6.
According to the letter, the speaker said the leave will be extended to July 6 due to the public holidays on June 12(Democracy Day) and Eid el Kabir on June 28 and June 29.
He explained that the governor had stated in the letter that his deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, would act as acting governor for the period he will be away.
The speaker, who described the governor as a lover of peace and an apostle of the rule of law, wished him a speedy recovery and a joyful vacation.
Opposition parties, including the Social Democratic Party and the Peoples Democratic Party, had demanded that the governor transmit power to his deputy in line with the provisions of the Constitution due to his health challenges.
Mr Akeredolu has not been seen in his office for several weeks, and it is known that he has health challenges.
READ ALSO: Disquiet in Ondo as Dep Gov allegedly moves against Akeredolu, exco divided
Although the governor’s aides admitted that he was indisposed, his condition and absence from duty led to political intrigues and a division in his cabinet, significantly impeding decision-making.
Some elements within the cabinet appeared to be uncomfortable with the deputy governor assuming power as acting governor for unknown reasons.
It was reported that forces in the corridors of power orchestrated several machinations to keep Mr Aiyedatiwa away from assuming the acting role as stipulated by the constitution.
http://www.facebook.com/ayogenlinks
Such devices include stories that he routinely beat his wife, an allegation the camp of the deputy governor denied and attributed to his detractors.
The state government has not disclosed the nature of Mr Akeredolu’s ailment and where specifically he will seek treatment abroad.