The Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, has spoken for the first time since he handed leadership of the state to his Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as he continues to struggle with his poor state of health.

The governor, in a statement on his official Facebook page, appreciated the people of Ondo for their support and prayers at this critical time of his history.

Akeredolu, who is in an undisclosed hospital outside Nigeria, said he’s in high spirits and has full faith in the expertise of his doctors.

He promised to return to Ondo as soon as his doctors deemed it expedient.

The Ondo Governor appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his team, as well as all political party leaders, state Governors, the State Executive Council, and the members of the State House of Assembly for their unwavering support.

i-News Nigeria earlier reported that Governor Akeredolu has been struggling with undisclosed health problems for some months. It was reported at a time that the governor had passed due to his failing health.

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.

Full statement

My Dear People of Ondo State,

I pen this message with a heart overflowing with immense gratitude and deep appreciation. Your dedication, understanding, ceaseless prayers and messages of goodwill during my journey to recovery have been nothing short of a soothing balm for my soul. Your unwavering support and genuine affection have sustained my determination to renewed vigor and, most importantly, to continue serving you, the good people of Ondo State.

I am profoundly grateful to our esteemed President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and his team, as well as all political party leaders, my brother Governors, the State Executive Council, and the members of the State House of Assembly for their unwavering support. Your collective strength and solidarity have uplifted my spirit and reaffirmed my commitment to our shared vision for progress and development.

While I remain on the path to recovery, I eagerly await the moment when I will stand among you once again. Rest assured, I am in high spirits and have full faith in the expertise of my doctors. I will return to you ALL as soon as they deem it expedient.

My dear people, once again, your prayers, support, and the rejuvenating elixir of goodwill you have bestowed upon me have fortified my resolve. I am resolute in my dedication to serving you and working tirelessly for the betterment of our beloved Ondo State.

Thank you from the depths of my heart.

Sincerely yours,

Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON

Governor of Ondo State