Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu is Dead.

   The late Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 67, according to sources. The ruling All Progressives Congress in the state is making arrangements to swear in his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. As of now, the state government has not made any official statement regarding the matter. 

   Despite efforts to confirm the news from the Alagbaka Government House, no response was received. The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Richard Olabode, did not answer calls or respond to text messages. Similarly, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, did not answer calls when contacted. 

   In a statement, the governor's spokesperson, Richard Olatunde, mentioned that Akeredolu would hand over power to his deputy, Lucy Aiyedatiwa, through a letter to the state House of Assembly. It is worth noting that the late governor had been receiving treatment for cancer in Germany and had previously handed over power to his deputy during his medical leave. 

   During his absence, there was a division within the executive council, with some members loyal to the governor and others to the deputy governor. In September, the governor dismissed all media aides attached to the office of the deputy governor due to insubordination and disregard for authority.

    Following his second medical leave, Aiyedatiwa, who is currently acting on behalf of Akeredolu, appealed to the people of the state and all stakeholders to collaborate with him in implementing the governor's vision for advancing the state.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

  Akeredolu had delegated his authority to Aiyedatiwa to serve as the governor while he was on a medical vacation in Germany. The governor had also officially informed the state House of Assembly about this arrangement through a written communication.

   During a statewide address, the acting governor acknowledged the political turmoil that has recently plagued the state, emphasizing that it has tested the collective commitment to both the state and democracy. He urged everyone to let go of the past, unite, and work together with him to foster the development of the state.

According to his statement

“Yesterday is already behind us. This is the time to carry aloft, with love and affection for one another, the laudable vision and mission of the governor for the state. I appeal to every member of the government of Ondo State for your genuine support, cooperation, and dedication.

”We need a renewed unity to berth the significant and accelerated development clearly envisioned and vigorously pursued by Mr. Governor.

“My good people of Ondo state, what happened in the past was a temporary delay in our democratic journey. As a government, we have recovered.”

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