President Bola Tinubu ordered that Ondo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, assume the responsibilities of the Governor in an acting capacity as Governor Arakunrin Akeredolu embarked on a sabbatical medical leave.
Imran Muhammad wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “President Tinubu reportedly issued a directive to the Ondo State House of Assembly, instructing them to transfer power to Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.”
The President emphasized the need for conducting this transfer unconditionally, as it aligns with the “Doctrine of Necessity.” This decision allows Governor Akeredolu to take a medical leave, ensuring his well-being, Muhammad added.”
Richard Olatunde, Chief Press Secretary to the Ondo State Governor, transmitted a formal letter regarding the medical leave and a notice formally transferring power in line with the Nigerian Constitution to the State House of Assembly.
Recall that Chronicle NG reported on November 25, 2023, that President Tinubu waded into the months-long crisis between factions loyal to the Executive Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, and the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
This came after marathon negotiations between Tinubu and the Deputy Governor, Aiyedatiwa, representatives of Governor Akeredolu, federal and state lawmakers of Ondo, and officials of the state’s chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Mr. Aiyedatiwa, who expressed his intention to keep the status quo and unify all factions, stated, ”I want to say that I pledge to all of you that I embrace every one of you. I put behind me all that has happened before now. I’ve let go and also let God, just as President Tinubu has advised us.
“And I want to say that with no offence, no guile in my mind whatsoever. All that has happened is politics. Impeachment is part of politics. If you survive it, it is also politics. It has come. I’ve survived it, and everything else is in the past.
“It is one big family, and our father has intervened to bring all the children together to remain under the same family.
”With the position that I occupy, I will carry every one of you along in every decision that needs to be taken, and in everything that we do, we will work together; the executive and the legislature will work together to ensure that governance is on the right track.”
Ondo State Governor, Akeredolu, formally delegated powers to deputy governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, as he embarked on sabbatical medical leave.
Akeredolu expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support and affection of the people of Ondo State. He expects his deputy governor to remain committed to the path of progress and prosperity for the people.
