In Ondo State, everyone is pretty worried about the whereabouts of their governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN. Seven days after his annual leave ended, he is yet to officially resume duty. Akeredolu commenced what he described as the first installment of his 2023 annual leave on April 3, 2023. The leave which saw him transfer power to his Deputy Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for 15 days through a letter to the State House of Assembly and addressed to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun.
The letter also stated that the governor’s leave would start from Monday April 3 and end on Tuesday, April 23, 2023, both days inclusive, meaning he would be back at by Wednesday, April 26.
Akeredolu and his wife, Betty, celebrated their 42nd marriage anniversary on April 18, 2023. So Akeredolu who embarked on his leave accompanied by his wife, had ample time to celebrate their anniversary away from the public glare. The governor was scheduled to resume duties on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, but he is yet to do so and no one can explain why.
During the Workers’ Day celebration in the state, Governor Akeredolu was represented where he was awarded the ‘Most Workers’ Friendly Governor’ under the umbrella of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC). The award was presented to him in appreciation of his immense contribution and unflinching support to the welfare of workers in the state, according to the NLC Chairman, Comrade Victor Oladele Amoko and his TUC counterpart, Comrade Clement Fatuase.
It is on record that the governor has not been enjoying the best of health, which is evident in his frail looks. Earlier in the year, he had addressed insinuations that he was afflicted with a life-threatening ailment. But he told his critics that his health had not in any way affected his performance in his office. Similarly, his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, once said that although Akeredolu had a health challenge, he had received treatment and was recuperating speedily.
Ivory Ukonu is a versatile journalist with many years of experience, with entertainment and society reporting as her area of core competence.
