The Ondo State House of Assembly on Wednesday declared the state deputy goveernor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as acting governor following the receipt of the letter from Governor Rotimi Akeredolu informing the legislators of his embarking on a medical leave and transmitting power to his deputy.
The Speaker of the House, Olamide Oladiji, confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
“Following doctor’s advice on the need for medical follow-up after recuperating, Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, has forwarded the letter on medical leave to the State House of Assembly,” Oladiji said in the statement.
“Governor’s action is in line with Section 190 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“His Deputy, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa would now assume the responsibilities of the Governor in acting capacity until there is a written declaration to the contrary.
“The leave is expected to commence on Wednesday,13th December, 2023,” he said.
Oladiji prayed for the speedy recovery of the governor and expressed optimism that he would soon resume his duty.
Recall that the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde, had in a press statement on Tuesday informed tha Akeredolu would commence another medical leave on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, as a follow-up to his medical treatment, and had, therefore, asked his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to assume responsibilities as acting governor in his absence.
The statement had also said during his medical leave, Governor Akeredolu, who has been ill since January, would “prioritise his health and ensure a full recovery before resuming his official duties”.
“A formal letter regarding the medical leave and a notice formally transferring power in line with the Nigerian Constitution will be transmitted to the House of Assembly,” the statement said.
“As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a widely respected Nigerian, Governor Akeredolu has consistently delegated power to his deputy during his annual vacations. This practice was observed on April 1, 2021, April 1, 2022, April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023, when he embarked on previous vacations,” it said.
The lawmakers had expected the letter on Tuesday but did not receive it.
The House’s spokesperson, Olatunji Oshati, had said a formal declaration of the deputy governor as acting governor was only possible after the letter was formally received by the House.
