Ailing Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo has extended his medical leave abroad indefinitely. Mr Akeredolu’s notice was contained in a letter forwarded to the House of Assembly recently.
Speaker Olamide Oladiji, while reading a communication from Mr Akeredolu, said that the governor would no longer resume to office as previously scheduled when he sought a 21-day leave abroad last month.
On June 5, 2023, Mr Akeredolu informed the lawmakers that he was proceeding on a “medical leave” with a promise to resume work on July 6, 2023.
Mr Oladiji said the extension was due to Mr Akeredolu’s “doctor’s advice on the need to take adequate rest after recuperating.”
He confirmed that the House of Assembly already received the letter of extension on medical leave from the governor.
The Nigerian Constitution allows Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to continue to act as governor until Mr Akeredolu returns and notifies the parliament.
Mr Oladiji expressed confidence and appreciation to God for Mr Akeredolu’s condition, which he said was improving, without supplying evidence as to the source of his disclosure. The country where Mr Akeredolu was moved to last month was not disclosed, even though the state covers his bills. He also didn’t publicly disclose the nature of his ailment, which his wife has characterised as partly caused by his mistress. The mistress denied the allegations.
The Nigerian Constitution is silent on how long a governor could stay away so long as there is a transfer of executive powers to a deputy.
Last week, Mr Akeredolu disclosed that he was recovering from his health challenges which have incapacitated him for several months.
The governor, in a message replete with emotions, specifically affirmed that he was in high spirits and would soon be back on his feet.
