Akeredolu writes Ondo Assembly, resumes duty, meets stakeholders in Ibadan

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, yesterday, wrote to the Ondo State House of Assembly, notifying the lawmakers of his resumption of duty after months of medical vacation.
Speaker of the Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, who disclosed this in a statement made available to

The Guardian, stated that the letter was received during a parliamentary meeting held in Akure, the state capital.

According to the Speaker, the letter indicated that the governor’s resumption of duties commenced on Friday, September 8, 2023,

While expressing gratitude to God for the governor’s safe return, Oladiji stressed that the governor’s action aligns with Section 190(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

Akeredolu had arrived in the country on Thursday via the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after three months of medical leave abroad.

Following his arrival, the governor proceeded to Ibadan, Oyo State. Findings revealed that he will arrive in Ondo State next week.

In June, the governor travelled to Germany for medical treatment, which necessitated his absence from the state. While he was away, he entrusted the responsibilities of governance to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, by officially transferring power to him in an acting capacity through a letter communicated to the House of Assembly.

Recall that the governor initially took a 15-day leave on April 3. However, on June 13, he extended his leave and transmitted power to Aiyedatiwa due to his continued medical treatment abroad. Later, on June 10, he further extended his medical leave indefinitely.

Meanwhile, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Richard Olatunde, in a statement said, Akeredolu returned to the country on Thursday and upon his return, he convened a meeting with key stakeholders from Ondo State in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, where he landed.

Olatunde said stakeholders present at the meeting included members of the State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; members of the State Executive Council, led by the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; National Assembly members led by Senator Jide Ipinsagba; and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Working Committee, led by the Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin.

Others were Youth groups, led by the Ondo APC Youth leader, Comrade Olawande Ayo Wisdom; former Local Council Chairmen, led by Hon. Augustine Ogbesetore; and members of the Foundation of Wives of Ondo State Officials (FOWOSO).

The wife of the Governor, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, also joined the Governor to receive the FOWOSO members.

During the meeting, Akeredolu formally handed over his resumption letter to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oladiji, and also provided a copy to the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was in attendance.

Governor Akeredolu said: “I came back yesterday, and as you know, it was a long journey. I decided that I must meet with you today. God has answered our prayers, and we give Him all the glory.

“I can assure you that our return is to the glory of God and the prayers of all of you here, and those who wished us well. I thank you very much. God has done what the majority of our people wanted. Majority of our people here knelt down and prayed for our return, and we have returned.

“So, because we had to land here in Ibadan first, I said I have to meet with House of Assembly members here. We are here, and we are back. I am back, and by the grace of God, I will be alive to complete for my full tenure in office.

“I want to tell you that I am back, and I will resume work immediately. This is my letter of resumption.”