‘I’m back as governor’ – Drama as Akeredolu takes over from Aiyedatiwa

Ondo governor Rotimi Akeredolu, immediately took over the running of the State from his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa who has been acting in his stead for three months he has been out of the country on Friday.…CONTINUE READING

Akeredolu returned to Nigeria and landed in Ibadan, Oyo State less about 100 kilometres to Akure, the capital or his State on Thursday from Germany where he has been undergoing treatment for an undisclosed ailment….CONTINUE READING

Indeed, the whole machinery of the Ondo State Government then shifted to Ibadan on Friday where Akeredolu formally notified the State House of Assembly that he has returned and ready to fully take over the administration of the State.

Akeredolu had in letter of 4th June, 2023, informed the assembly that he was proceeding on medical leave, thus empowering his deputy to take over as acting governor.

The Governor wrote the Assembly to take over power from Aiyedatiwa on Friday.

“This was in line with Section 190(1)of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended),” Ondo Assembly Speaker Olamide Oladiji, said while confirming the development in Akure, the state capital.

”The letter which was received today during the Parliamentary meeting of the House, the governor resumed duty today, Friday, 8th September, 2023.

Earlier, the Governor had met with members of his cabinet, chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, the State lawmakers and others in Ibadan where he categorically declared that he is back and that he will take over the governance of the State immediately.

Indeed, it was at the meeting that he formally handed over his resumption letter to the Speaker.

He also gave a copy to Aiyedatiwa, who was in attendance.

“ I will be alive to complete my full tenure in office”

Richard Olatunde, Akeredolu’s chief press secretary in a statement revealed what the governor told the deputy governor and others.

According to the statement, 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. The 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 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.”

In his reply, the Speaker speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, expressed gratitude for the safe return of the Governor.

He stated that the Governor’s return to the country is a prayer answered.

Akeredolu also informed members of the State Executive Council that he had presented his letter of resumption to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

”We are now back, and we give God all the glory. I have to let members of the House of Assembly know first that we have returned.

“As of today, I’m back as Governor of Ondo State. We thank God that I am alive and here. It’s your prayers that have kept us here. The office of the governor has resumed full work.”

Akeredolu thanked the people of the State for their ceaseless prayers and support during his recovery process.

The Governor also held meetings with members of the National Assembly, including Senator representing Ondo North, Senator Jide Ipinsagba; Members of the House of Representatives representing Owo/Ose, Hon. Timehin Adelegbe; Ilaje/Ese-Odo, Hon. Donald Ojogo, Idanre/Ifedore, Hon. Festus Akingbaso; Okitipupa/Irele, Hon. Jimi Odimayo and Akoko South West/South East, Hon. Gboyega Adefarati.

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

Stakeholders present at the meeting included members of the State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oladiji Olamide; 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….CONTINUE READING