Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has taken a medical leave overseas to attend to his health and since handed over authority to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to continue with the affairs of the state.

Olamide Oladiji, the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, confirmed receipt of the letter from the governor detailing his departure for treatment outside the shores of the country.

“Ondo State House of Assembly said it has received the letter of medical leave from the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN, CON),” a Tuesday statement from the lawmaker read.

“Speaking through the lawmakers, the Speaker of the House Rt.Hon.Olamide Oladiji explained that the Governor had embarked on a 21-day leave for medical treatment abroad starting from the 7th of June,2023 to the 6th of July,2023.

According to the letter, the leave which commenced on the 7th of June extends to the 6th of July,2023 due to the Public Holidays on June 12(Democracy Day) and Eid el Kabir(28th and 29th, June,2023).

“The Governor, who had directed his Deputy, Hon.Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to act as the Governor while away, has assured of his resumption on the 6th of July, 2023.”

Governor Akeredolu has been struggling with an undisclosed nature of health for some months. It was reported at a time that the governor had passed due to his failing health.

i-News reported that the Ondo State Government debunked the rumours, saying: “Though the Governor has been indisposed, he has been attending to state matters and delegating functions to functionaries of the Government, when necessary. We enjoin the members of the public to ignore the rumour. Aketi is very much alive.” The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation Bamidele Ademola-Olateju said in a statement.

The main oppositions Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the Social Democratic Party, SDP, have called upon Akeredolu to resign.