The Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has passed away.
He died of leukemia and prostate cancer, two ailments that had made him incapacitated for several months.
Akeredolu reportedly died in Lagos on Wednesday, December 27, 2023.
He was 67 years old until his demise.
It was gathered that Akeredolu was being managed by State House doctors up to his death as they could not fly him abroad due to his condition.
“Akeredolu is dead; he died in Lagos,” the source said.
DAILY GIST recalls that Akeredolu had returned to Nigeria after controversy begin trailing his extended medical vacation in Germany.
He then returned to his Ibadan residence, a move that led to further political crisis in his state
Akeredolu’s return, remote work condition and initial refusal to hand over the reins of power to Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the deputy governor continue to fuel the political crisis rocking the state.
After President Tinubu’s intervention, Akeredolu then handed over power to his deputy and proceeded on another medical vacation.
There were allegations that the governor’s signature was being forged by his loyalists in the conduct of government business.
On November 24, President Bola Tinubu waded into the crisis.
Thereafter, the impeachment proceedings against Aiyedatiwa were discontinued.
On December 12, the governor announced that he was embarking on another medical leave, as a follow-up to his treatment, and handed over to Aiyedatiwa.
“In the absence of Governor Akeredolu, the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, will assume the responsibilities of the Governor in acting capacity,” Richard Olatunde, chief press secretary to the governor, said in a statement.
The Ondo house of assembly finally declared Aiyedatiwa acting governor on December 13.
Akeredolu was first elected governor in 2016 and was re-elected in 2020. His tenure elapses in 2024.
