In light of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu‘s ailing health, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing the Ondo South Senatorial District, has recommended that he focus on recuperating rather than rushing back to his gubernatorial responsibilities.
During a telephone conversation over the weekend, Mr. Ibrahim explicitly advised Mr. Akeredolu to draw inspiration from the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, who spent several months abroad attending to his health and only returned to duty once he had made a full recovery.
‘Arakunrin (Akeredolu), there is a precedent in this regard. President Muhammadu Buhari was away for six months while on medical leave and later returned to office.’
‘Your Excellency (Akeredolu), it is important for you to cancel the date of your return ticket and have a sufficient holiday. You need to rest very well so that you will be adequately fit when you return to duty,’ he advised the Ondo governor.
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Currently, Mr. Akeredolu is facing health challenges and is undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness. Consequently, he has been outside the state, focusing on his health and receiving medical attention.
Multiple sources have verified that the Ondo governor, Mr. Akeredolu, is currently abroad, seeking medical treatment for his health condition.
Governor Akeredolu announced a 21-day ‘medical leave’ last month, during which he handed over the reins of his office to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, until his anticipated return.
Governor Akeredolu, in a letter addressed to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, officially communicated that his medical leave, initiated on June 7, would come to an end on July 6, 2023, following which he intends to resume his duties as the state’s chief executive.
Mr. Ibrahim, however, advised the governor to reconsider his planned return date, including canceling his flight ticket, and instead advised him to take ample rest abroad before returning to Nigeria. Mr. Ibrahim stressed the importance of ensuring the governor’s complete recovery before resuming his official duties.
The senator, Mr. Ibrahim, pointed out that it is fully within the constitutional framework for the governor to transfer power to his deputy, Mr. Aiyedatiwa, while he is away until his return to the office. He highlighted the provision that allows for the seamless transmission of power in such circumstances, ensuring continuity in governance during the governor’s absence.
‘You are not a machine, Arakunrin, so you need ample time to rest very well, having been serving the state round the clock for the past seven years.’
‘The government of Ondo state will continue to run pending the time you will return. So, there’s no need for you to be in a hurry to return.’
XIt is constitutional for you, as a governor, to transmit power to your deputy. When you are back, you will inform the Assembly and return to the office,’ Mr Ibrahim added.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, in his message, urged the public to persist in their prayers for Governor Akeredolu’s swift recovery. He noted the governor is quickly recuperating from his ailment.
