In a somber turn of events, Ondo State is in mourning as Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has passed away at the age of 67. The news was confirmed by a family source on Wednesday, revealing that the governor breathed his last in Lagos.
Despite ongoing health challenges, Governor Akeredolu remained under the care of State House doctors until his demise. The severity of his condition prevented him from being flown abroad for medical treatment.
The family source shared, “Akeredolu is dead; he died in Lagos. They were looking for dialysis machines to be sent to his secret location in Lagos last week.”
The late governor had returned to Nigeria in September after a three-month medical leave in Germany. Recently, he embarked on another medical leave after President Bola Tinubu directed him to hand over power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. During his absence, Aiyedatiwa has been diligently serving as the acting governor.
Governor Akeredolu faced public backlash when, upon his return in September, he chose to govern the state from Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The decision sparked outrage among the public, questioning the efficacy of remote governance amid pressing state matters.
As Ondo State grapples with the loss of its Governor, Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa will continue to hold the fort as Acting Governor, navigating the state through this period of transition and mourning.
