The Ondo State House of Assembly has officially declared Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the acting governor of the state.
The announcement came following the receipt of a medical leave notification letter from Governor Rotimi Akeredolu by Olamide Oladiji, the Speaker of the House.
Speaker Oladiji confirmed that Aiyedatiwa would assume the responsibilities of the governor in an acting capacity until there is a written declaration to the contrary.
According to the Speaker, the decision aligns with Section 190 of the constitution (as amended), providing a constitutional framework for the transfer of power in cases of the governor’s absence.
Aiyedatiwa has already returned to Akure, the capital of Ondo State, to resume duties as acting governor.
This move comes amid increasing pressure on Governor Akeredolu to either resign or hand over power to his deputy due to his prolonged absence from the state.
Governor Akeredolu has been away from Ondo State since June, citing health reasons for his extended leave.
Although he returned to Nigeria in early September after a three-month medical stay in Germany, he has been primarily operating from Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
Akeredolu’s absence has fueled concerns among stakeholders and triggered a political crisis.
Allegations were circulating that the governor’s signature was being forged by certain officials of the state government, adding further complexity to the situation.
