Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu Passes Away at 67: Deputy Aiyedatiwa Steps In

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has reportedly passed away at 67, prompting discussions about his succession. Sources confirmed his demise without an official statement from the state government. 

Efforts to obtain verification from the Alagbaka Government House proved futile, with key officials remaining inaccessible for comments.

Recent reports indicated Akeredolu's return to Germany for further medical treatment, where he had been battling cancer. During his absence, he temporarily transferred power to his deputy, Lucy Aiyedatiwa, to act as the governor. 

However, Akeredolu's return to Nigeria in September was followed by seclusion in his private Ibadan residence, leading to leadership divisions within the state executive council.

The rift between the governor's loyalists and those supporting the deputy governor escalated, marked by the dismissal of media aides affiliated with the deputy governor's office due to alleged insubordination. 

Aiyedatiwa, in the governor's stead, urged unity and collaboration among the people to fulfill Akeredolu's vision for state development.

Expressing optimism for the future, the acting governor emphasized leaving behind past disagreements, encouraging genuine support and cooperation to advance the governor's mission. 

He called for renewed unity to achieve accelerated development, characterizing previous political crises as temporary disruptions in the state's democratic journey.