Akeredolu set to begins his medical leave on Wednesday and will transfer power to Aiyedatiwa.

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is set to begin his medical leave on Wednesday, according to his spokesperson, Richard Olatunde. 

In a statement released on Tuesday, Olatunde stated that during Akeredolu's absence, Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa will assume the responsibilities of the governor in an acting capacity. 

Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), was re-elected as the state governor in October 2020 and inaugurated for a second term in office in February 2021. 

However, his second term has been marred by health challenges, leading to his treatment abroad in June. After returning to Nigeria in September, Akeredolu remained in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State. 

The governor has faced calls from opposition parties and activists to resign or hand over power to his deputy in accordance with the 1999 constitution. 

Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State

Additionally, there have been conflicts between the governor's loyalists in the state House of Assembly and Aiyedatiwa, which prompted intervention from President Bola Tinubu. Olatunde emphasized that Akeredolu will prioritize his health and ensure a full recovery before resuming his official duties. 

A formal letter regarding the medical leave and the transfer of power in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution will be sent to the House of Assembly. 

The governor has a history of delegating power to his deputy during his annual vacations, as observed on previous occasions.