Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, who has been on medical leave due to an undisclosed ailment, has extended his medical leave as confirmed in a letter sent to the state House of Assembly.
The governor’s decision to extend his medical leave was based on the advice of his doctors, who recommended that he fully recuperates before resuming his official duties.
Newsmen reports that the letter, addressed to the Speaker of the House, Olamide Oladiji, did not specify the exact duration of the governor’s extended medical leave.
According to the letter, during Akeredolu’s absence, his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, will continue to function in acting capacity, until the governor resumes his official duties.
In a statement personally signed by the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, he lauded Governor Akeredolu for strictly adhering to the constitutional requirements by officially notifying the House about his extended medical leave.
He also expressed gratitude to God for the governor’s swift recovery and wished him the best in his recuperation process.
“Following the doctor’s advice on the need to take adequate rest after recuperating, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON, has forwarded the letter of extension on medical leave to the Ondo State House of Assembly.
“Receiving the letter on behalf of other Lawmakers, the Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, said the Governor’s action is in line with Section 190 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended),” the Speaker said.
Recall that Akeredolu had initially informed the Ondo State House of Assembly about his intention to proceed on medical leave in a letter dated June 7, 2023.
The governor was expected to resume his duties on July 6, 2023, but his doctors were said to have advised him to take further rest.
Meanwhile, the governor’s absence has continued raise concerns among the residents of Ondo State, as they eagerly await his return.