Governor Of Ondo State Rotimi Akeredolu Has Being Reported Dead

The Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has passed away. Mr. Akeredolu’s death occurred at approximately 2 a.m. on Wednesday in a hospital in Germany, where he was undergoing medical treatment, as confirmed by a high-ranking official within the Ondo State government and reported by punch newspaper among others this morning.

The cause of his death was attributed to complications from leukaemia and prostate cancer, conditions that had significantly impacted his health for several months.

Following the official announcement of Governor Akeredolu’s passing, it is expected that the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, will be sworn in as the new governor of the state. The swearing-in ceremony will be conducted by the Chief Judge of the state.

Governor Akeredolu first took medical leave in June to address an initially undisclosed health issue and returned in September. Despite his return, his health remained a concern, and he continued receiving medical attention in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State. This decision to govern Ondo State remotely from Ibadan was met with significant public criticism.

During his illness, Governor Akeredolu was criticized for not transferring power to his deputy. This led to considerable political controversy, including accusations of his clinging to power despite his incapacitation.

In December, Governor Akeredolu embarked on another medical leave for further treatment. Unlike the previous instance, he formally transferred power to Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa, who assumed the role in an acting capacity.

This transition period was marked by political tensions, notably between Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa and Governor Akeredolu. The tensions escalated to the point where the state assembly considered initiating impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor, resulting in a legal confrontation between the two parties.

The political unrest was somewhat quelled following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu, who mandated maintaining the status quo under specific conditions. These included the stipulation that Mr. Aiyedatiwa would not be declared as acting governor, ostensibly to preserve Mr. Akeredolu’s position.

Additionally, the deputy governor was instructed to provide an undated letter of resignation to President Tinubu. This measure was seen as a safeguard to ensure political stability in the state while Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa administered governmental affairs until Governor Akeredolu’s recovery.

With the passing of Governor Akeredolu, Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is now set to assume the office as the substantive governor of Ondo State.