Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has delegated his responsibilities to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as he embarks on medical leave starting Wednesday, News About Nigeria reports.
The announcement was made in a statement released by the governor’s spokesman, Richard Olatunde, on Tuesday.
The statement stated that Governor Akeredolu, who has been battling health concerns since January, is putting his health first and wants to fully recuperate before returning to his official role.
In compliance with the Nigerian Constitution, the official notification of the medical leave and the official transfer of power would be made to the House of Assembly.
“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,” the statement read.
The statement further pointed out that throughout his yearly vacations, Akeredolu has consistently assigned authority to his deputy.
Similar arrangements were observed on April 1, 2021, April 1, 2022, April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023, during his previous vacations.
In October, News About Nigeria reported that Aiyedatiwa refuted allegations that he endorsed a planned protest against Governor Akeredolu.
Ondo Youth and Masses Conscience claimed to have uncovered a scheme involving the organisation of a protest over the governor’s absence, and they alleged that the plan was being orchestrated by the deputy governor’s followers.
In a statement, Aiyedatiwa denied knowing of the protest, adding that he is dedicated to efforts for peace within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State.
The deputy governor encouraged security forces to maintain peace in the state and ensure that residents could go about their daily activities without disruption.
