Rotimi Akeredolu, Ondo State Governor Dies Aged 67

Rotimi Akeredolu, Ondo State two-term governor is dead. He was aged 67

According to family sources, the governor gave up the ghost at about 2:00 a.m. in a German Hospital, where he has visited on several occasions as he battled prostate cancer and leukemia. He had returned to the German Hospital earlier two weeks ago to continue receiving treatment after his condition worsened. For several months, rumors of his incapacitation and low-level performance in office rented the air, with family sources refusing to disclose fully the real extent of his failing health.

However,  his incapacitations had drawn some negative comments from critics who saw family members not coming out with his full condition describing the action as an act of disloyalty to the state.

In June this year, Mr Akeredolu proceeded on medical leave in what relatives disclosed as a medical check, but nothing was said about the nature and the full extent of his ailment and his determination to continue to manage the affairs of his state while in failing health drew public outrage,

He returned in September and resumed his official duty as he was bedridden in Ibadan Oyo State, still managing his state affairs even though he was weak, and his health was seriously falling. The governor refused to transfer power to his deputy and this drew some anger from members of the public.

Following the formal announcement of the governor’s death, it is now inevitable that his Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, will pick up the baton of Ondo state governance and be  sworn in as the governor by the state’s Chief Judge

However, early this month, while proceeding on another follow-up medical leave,  he wrote the state assembly, officially informing members to formally transfer power to his  Deputy to take over the affairs of the state in an acting capacity.