Tag: Akeredolu

Impeachment: Court declines Akeredolu’s plea to vacate interim order, adjourns suit indefinitely

AFederal High Court, Abuja on Friday, refused to grant an application by Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State asking it to vacate its Sept. 26 interim order for lack of jurisdiction.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, rather adjourned the suit indefinitely in view of the fact that an appeal had been entered at the Court of Appeal in respect of the issue before him by the speaker and the state’s assembly.

He also refused to grant Akeredolu and the speaker’s request to strike out or dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

The judge held that it would be wise for the court to adjourn the matter “sine die” pending the outcome of the appeal in order to avoid judicial rascality.

The speaker and the assembly had, on Oct. 20, appealed against the interim order made by Justice Nwite on Sept. 26.

In their appeal filed at the Appeal Court, Abuja, they sought two reliefs.

These include, “an order setting aside the ex-parte order of the lower court made on Sept. 26.

“An order allowing the appeal and directing that the substantive matter be dismissed for want of jurisdiction.”

The judge had, on Sept. 26, restrained the state’s assembly from impeaching Aiyedatiwa over alleged gross misconduct.

Nwite gave the interim order in a ruling shortly after Aiyedatiwa’s counsel, Kayode Adewusi, moved the ex-parte motion to the effect.

He also restrained Akeredolu from nominating a new deputy governor and forwarding same to the lawmakers for approval as the new state’s deputy governor based on a letter of resignation purportedly authored or signed by Aiyedatiwa, pending the hearing and determination of the interlocutory application.

The embattled Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, had, in an ex-parte motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1294/2023, sued the I-G and DSS as 1st and 2nd defendants.

Others joined in the suit include Akeredolu, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Judge of Ondo State and the House of Assembly as 1st to 6th respondents respectively.

In the application dated and filed by Mr Adelanke Akinrata on Sept. 21, Aiyedatiwa sought for four reliefs.

But Akeredolu, through his counsel, Kassim Gbadamosi, SAN, had, on Oct. 4, sought an order setting aside the entire proceedings conducted in the case on Sept 26, including the interim order of injunction made by the court, same having been irregularly obtained for lack of jurisdiction.

The governor also sought an order striking out or dismissing the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

Besides, the speaker of the assembly, in his application filed by his lawyer, Femi Emodamori, on Oct. 27, equally sought an order that the suit was incompetent and that the court lacked both substantive or procedural jurisdiction to entertain same.

But Aiyedatiwa’s counsel, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, on Oct. 30, prayed the court to dismiss Akeredolu and the speaker’s applications, insisting that they lacked locus (legal right) to canvass such arguments.

Adegboruwa argued that since the speaker and the assembly (4th and 6th defendants) filed the appeal, he prayed the court to adjourn the case sine die (indefinitely) to await the decision of the Court of Appeal.

He urged the judge to allow parties to go to the appellate court in order not to waste the time of the court on arguments on whether it had jurisdiction or not and to avoid contesting with the superior court.

Delivering the ruling on Friday, Justice Nwite agreed with Adegboruwa’s submission that the court cannot wrestle jurisdiction with the Appeal Court, including on the pending ruling that was supposed to be delivered on the arguments preferred by the parties on Oct. 16.

“From the foregoing reliefs, there is no gainsaying that the reliefs being sought in that appeal affect the jurisdiction of the court and are also the same reliefs being sought by the 3rd and 4th defendants in their applications.

“Indeed, to indulge in such action will amount to judicial rascality.

“In view of the foregoing analysis, I am of the humble view and I so hold that the application of the plaintiff (Aiyedatiwa) is well founded and meritorious.

“Consequently, the matter is hereby adjourned sine die,” the judge declared.

November 17, 2023
Aiyedatiwa prays court to dismiss Akeredolu, others’ plea to vacate interim order

The Ondo Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday prayed to a Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu’s application seeking to set aside the Sept. 26 interim order restraining the state assembly from initiating an impeachment process.

The deputy governor’s Counsel, Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, prayed Justice Emeka Nwite to dismiss the oral application by Akeredolu’s Lawyer, Mr Kassim Gbadamosi, SAN, and counsel to other defendants, insisting that they lacked locus (legal right) to canvass such argument.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Nwite had, on Oct. 16, fixed today for hearing preliminary objections by Akeredolu, Ondo State House of Assembly and its speaker for today.

The judge also fixed hearing in Aiyedatiwa’s substantive suit and other processes for today, besides adjourning to rule on their arguments whether the court should discontinue the suit or not.

The judge had, on Sept 26, restrained the state’s assembly from impeaching Aiyedatiwa over alleged gross misconduct.

Nwite gave the interim order in a ruling shortly after Aiyedatiwa’s counsel, Kayode Adewusi, moved the ex-parte motion to the effect.

He also restrained Akeredolu from nominating a new deputy governor and forwarding same to the lawmakers for an approval as the new state’s deputy governor based on a letter of resignation purportedly authored or signed by Aiyedatiwa, pending the hearing and determination of the interlocutory application.

The embattled deputy governor had, in an ex-parte motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1294/2023, sued the I-G and DSS as 1st and 2nd defendants.

Others joined in the suit include Akeredolu, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Judge of Ondo State and the House of Assembly as 1st to 6th respondents respectively.

In the application dated and filed by Mr Adelanke Akinrata on Sept. 21, Aiyedatiwa sought for four reliefs.

When the matter was called, Adegboruwa notified the court that the speaker and the assembly (4th and 6th defendants) filed a notice of appeal and subsequently filed their brief of appeal on Oct. 20 against the Sept. 26 interim order of the trial court and that the appeal had been entered on Oct. 20 contrary to their arguments.

He, therefore, prayed the court to adjourn the case sine die (indefinately) to await the decision of the Court of Appeal.

He urged the judge to allow parties go to the appellate court in order not to waste the time of the court on arguments on whether it had jurisdiction or not and to avoid contesting with the superior court.

Adegboruwa, who prayed the court to allow them proceed to Appeal Court, said it was at the request of the speaker and the assembly because they had shown that they did not have confidence in the court.

Besides, he said the appellants also filed an application before the upper court to abridge the time to hear the matter, hence, it would soon be ripe for hearing

But Akeredolu’s counsel, Gbadamosi, disagreed with Adegboruwa, saying such submission could be likened to a stay of proceedings.

He argued that such application was unknown to law, asking “whether he (Adegboruwa) has made an application for stay of proceedings on an appeal which he did not file.”

“It is as if it is a stay of proceedings when there is no such application before your lordship, especially when he did not file a notice of appeal,” he said.

The senior lawyer, who admitted that an appeal was filed by two of the defendants, said the speaker and the assembly did not file a stay of proceedings to warrant such application.

“There are several parties to this suit and each one of them has the right to approach the court either to set aside or file an appeal within that jurudiction. It is their constitutional right,” he said.

He, however, disagreed that the appeal had been entered at the Court of Appeal, “because they are still trying to perfect the record at the court of appeal.

“Assuming that the record has been entered which we are not conceding, the position of the law is that an appeal will not operate as a stay of proceedings or execution of the order of the court,” citing Order 4, Rule 11(1), 2021, of the Appeal Court.

He said besides their application for the court to set aside the order and their prayer for the suit to be struck out in its entirety, Gbadamosi said the court lacked jurisidtcion to entertain the suit.

According to him, that a party exercised his right to file an appeal does not mean the party does not have confidence in the court as being suggested.

He urged the court to dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

Gbadamosi also argued that Adegboruwa’s application was akin to arresting the ruling of the court.

“We urge my lord not to accede to the request of arresting your lordship’s ruling and go ahead to deliver it because we are here for ruling and hearing of all pending applications,” he said.

Lawyer to the 4th and 6th defendants’, Femi Emodamori, and counsel for the 5th defendant (chief judge), Mutalubi Adebayo, SAN, and DSS lawyer aligned with Gbadamosi’s submission.

Emodamori also argued that in the event that the court might granted the plaintiff’s application to adjourn indefinately pending the determination of the appeal, the ex-parte order should be set aside.

“Your lordship granted an ex-parte order pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit, but the learner silk said the court should adjourn sine die pending the application at appeal.

“The implication is that the ex-parte order will be converted to interlocutory injunction , which then become pending the hearing and determination of the entire case, not even here but at appellate court.

“That is a fundamental error my lord. You have to be very weary of the legal implication of that.

Also arguing, Gbadamosi said the defendants were entitled to be heard on their application for the court to vacate the interim order.

He insisted that the order had elapsed, hence, the need to set it aside.

“We urge my lord not to extend the order because your lordship do not have jurudiction to do so.

” I can be overruled but to make the submission is my right.

“Pursuant to Order 26, Rule 10, this court should hold that this order has elapsed and should not be renewed,” he said.

Adegboruwa also disagreed with the lawyers, saying they cannot approbate and reprobate on same issue.

He argued that the defendants cannot asked the court to determine the status of the ex-parte order because such application is prohibited under the same Order 26, Rule 10 that it cannot be made after 14 days of when a party became aware.

Besides, the lawyer argued that the defendants did not have any application before the court challenging the order made on Sept. 26 beyond their appeal.

“My colleague for 4th and 6th defendants said his application is predicated on alleged fundamental development which he never disclosed to the court or plaintiff.

“I urge my lord to decline that application for deliberate concealment of facts and non-disclosure,” he said.

Adegboruwa equally urged the court to hold that that the interim order was the subject matter of the appeal of the 4th and 6th defendants.

“It is our humble submission that this honourable court should not fall for the trap being set by the 4th and 6th defendants to delve into the status of such order as suggested by 4th and 6th defendants.

“First is that all parties today agreed that there is a pending appeal against the said order file by 4th and 6th and they cannot seek my lord’s determination extempore of the status of order which they are prosecuting the appeal,” he said.

According to him, the argument of the 4th and 6th defendants is self defeatist because if they claim that time has expired allegedly for the plaintiff to renew the said order, time has also expire under the same said rule for the defendants to complain of the said order after 14 days of becoming aware by their notice.

“Finally, I urge this honourable court not to overrule itself having directed that the order granted abide till pending motion on notice because Order 26, Rule 10 of the court was already in existence as of the time the Sept. 26 order was made,” he said.

The senior lawyer also disagreed that his application was an attempt to arrest the ruling of the court to continue of discontinue the matter.

October 30, 2023
Impeachment: Court fixes date to hear Akeredolu, Aiyedatiwa’s applications

A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, fixed Oct. 30.to hear a preliminary objection filed by Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State against a suit filed by his deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to stop his impeachment by the state’s House of assembly.

Justice Emeka Nwite, who adjourned the matter after Aiyedatiwa’s counsel, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, opposed the submission of Kassim Gbadamosi, SAN, lawyer to Akeredolu, on his insistence to have his application heard, also fixed same date for hearing the deputy governor’s counter affidavit.

Justice Nwite equally fixed the hearing of an application filed by the Ondo State House of Assembly and its Speaker challenging the jurisidtcion of the court and a motion for stay of execution of the interim order of the court filed by the lawmakers for same date.

The judge, who directed Adegboruwa to ensure that the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police and the Department of State Service (DSS), the 1st and 2nd defendants in the suit, were served with all their processes, including the notice of hearing, asked all parties to put their house in order ahead of the next adjourned date.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Nwite had, on Sept 26, restrained the Ondo State House of Assembly from impeaching Aiyedatiwa over alleged gross misconduct.

Nwite gave the interim order in a ruling shortly after Aiyedatiwa’s counsel, Kayode Adewusi, moved the ex-parte motion to the effect.

He also restrained Akeredolu from nominating a new deputy governor and forwarding same to the lawmakers for an approval as the new state’s deputy governor based on a letter of resignation purportedly authored or signed by Aiyedatiwa, pending the hearing and determination of the interlocutory application.

The embattled deputy governor had, in an ex-parte motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1294/2023, sued the I-G and DSS as 1st and 2nd defendants.

Others joined in the suit include Akeredolu, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Judge of Ondo State and the House of Assembly as 1st to 6th respondents respectively.

In the application dated and filed by Mr Adelanke Akinrata on Sept. 21, Aiyedatiwa sought for four reliefs.

Upon resumed hearing on Monday, Adegboruwa informed the court that based on Akeredolu’s preliminary objection served on them on Oct. 9, he had responded with a counter affidavit.

He also notified the court about an application dated Oct. 3 and filed by the speaker and the assembly, seeking a stay of execution of the interim order stopping the lawmakers from continued with the impeachment process.

He argued that going by the application and recent events, the speaker and the assembly had insisted on non-compliance with the court order, despite their application challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit.

The senior lawyer said that despite the order, the 4th and 6th defendants (speaker and House of assembly) had continued to act in contempt of the court order.

“Pursuant to this development, the plaintiff has filed an affidavit of facts dated 16 October, 2023, exhibiting the decision of the 4th and 6th respondents in respect of the order of your lordship,” he said.

He said the I-G and the DSS were yet to be served with their processes, including the counter affidavit in response to Akeredolu’s preliminary objection.

Adegboruwa, however, prayed the court to allow them serve the I-G and the DSS to avoid issues of lack of fair hearing.

He urged the court to hear the preliminary objection in conjunction with their substantive suit which, he said, was already ripe for hearing in the next adjourned date.

But Gbadamosi disagreed with Adegboruwa on his application seeking a leave to serve the I-G and the DSS before the court could hear their preliminary objection.

He said the court, based on its ruling on Oct. 9, said the matter for today would be for hearing of all pending applications.

“The court was aware of the time constraint when he adjourned for ruling and hearing of pending applications,” he said.

The senior lawyer argued that the prayer for an adjournment was an invitation for the court to overrule itself.

He also disagreed with Adegboruwa on issue of contempt raised.

According to him, parties to a proceeding must be heard on all applications before the court.

He said affidavit of facts cannot take the place of Order 35 of the FHC Rules which set out procedures for contempt.

He said besides, the plaintiff had not taken any step as to committal proceeding in accordance with the rules

“So there is no contempt proceedings pending before you on issue of contempt,” he said.

Gbadamosi also disagreed that the originating summons of the plaintiff was ripe for hearing.

He urged the court to hear their preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court and not to wait for an indolent parties (I-G and DSS) on issue of non-service.

The lawyer argued that the I-G and DSS were aware of the suit but decided not to come to court because they were unconcerned.

Counsel to the speaker and house of assembly, Femi Emodamori, and that of the state’s chief judge (5th defendant), Grace Benson, aligned with Gbadamosi’s submission.

But Adegboruwa disagreed with the defence lawyers.

He said since Akeredolu served his application on the I-G and the DSS, Aiyedatiwa cannot be denied same opportunity to serve the defendants before hearing the matter.

He said though his counter affidavits to 3rd, 4th and 6th defendants were served today, the I-G and DSS ought to be served too

According to him, non-appearance of 1st and 2nd defendants in court will not and should not nullify their right to be served.

He also clarified that there was no contempt charge filed by the plaintiff but an affidavit of facts to make the defendants purge themselves of their contemptuous acts.

Justice Nwite, who held that he would not embark on proceeding that would result in exercise in futility, adjourned the matter until Oct. 30 for ruling or hearing of all pending applications.

Earlier, Nwite dismissed Aiyedatiwa’s plea for indefinite adjournment of his suit pending the outcome of the reconciliation committee set up by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to settle the dispute between him and Akeredolu and based on the petition written by the state’s lawmakers against the judge.

In a ruling, the judge held that it was in the interest of justice to continue with the suit.

He said the suit cannot be put on hold since there were different political parties which made up the assembly and that counsel to the defence indicated their disagreement to the reconciliatory effort.

October 16, 2023
Ondo: APC moves to reconcile Gov Akeredolu, deputy

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated a reconciliation committee to address the crisis rocking the Ondo State chapter, leading to the impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor.

Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the APC National Chairman performed the ceremony on Friday in Abuja.

“Since the return of democracy in 1979, we have documented a number of disagreements between principals, governors, and their deputies, leading to impeachment or resignation and to very uncomplimentary relationship.

“We are interested in ensuring a peaceful coexistence and a good working relationship between the state governor and his deputy,” Ganduje said.

He said that this was the essence of the committee which he said comprised people with vast experience and cognitive knowledge on the issues in the state.

“This is a solid team that is well qualified to look into this issue and give appropriate recommendations to the party’s leadership,” the APC national chairman said.

He said the committee was expected to interface with all contending people in the state.

This, he added was with a view to gathering facts and circumstances surrounding the lingering impeachment process of the Ondo deputy governor.

Ganduje said the committee was also to advise the party on the most amicable ways of handling the lingering issues leading to the impeachment process of the deputy governor.

He said the committee also had the mandate to make necessary recommendations on resolution of issues and any other matter that may come up in the course of its assignment.

“The committee has one week after its inauguration to submit its recommendation. We already sent a message that all further actions and processes should stop on this issue,” Ganduje said.

Responding, Alhaji Aminu Masari, the chairman of the committee, assured that the committee would do its best to come up with lastings on Ondo APC problems.

“I had a privilege of working harmoniously with Ondo State deputy governor, we had no rancour or disagreement, our relationship is still up to this moment.

“Our committee will look at issues disspationately. We will put in the very best in working for the party and its members. We will work with it to achieve the objectives set for us.

Other members of the committee included the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, Sen. Jack Tilley Gyado, Sen. Tanko Almakura, Mr. Martins Elechi, Malam Mohammed

October 6, 2023
BREAKING: Ondo Assembly moves to impeach deputy gov, Aiyedatiwa

The Ondo State House of Assembly has begun move to impeach the deputy governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The House accused the embattled deputy governor of being involved in some acts of gross misconduct while in office as the acting governor.

To this end, at the plenary session on Wednesday, the directed the Clerk of the House, Mr Benjamin Jaiyeola, to communicate to Aiyedatiwa the allegations levelled against him.

The petition which has been signed by Nine out of 26 Members of the House was read during the plenary presided over by the Speaker, Mr Olamide Oladiji.

Details to follow…

September 20, 2023
Ondo governor, Akeredolu returns from medical vacation, officially resumes duty

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has returned from his medical vacation.

Upon his return, Akeredolu notified the state House of Assembly of his resumption of duty after months of medical vacation

The Speaker of the Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, in a statement confirmed the receipt of the letter during a parliamentary meeting.

The letter, which was received on Friday, indicated that Akeredolu has resumed immediately.

Oladiji who expressed gratitude to God for the governor’s safe return, emphasised that his action aligns with Section 190(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

Akeredolu had arrived in the country on Thursday after concluding a three-month medical leave in Germany.

Following his arrival, the governor met with his cabinet members, legislators, and various political groups on Friday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

September 9, 2023
Akeredolu respects supremacy of party – APC Chairman

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, Mr Ade Adetimehin, on Monday, said that Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu respects supremacy of the party and has never influenced its control.

Adetimehin, who denied rumours of division in the party, said all stakeholders in the party were united.

The chairman, who stated this during an interactive session with journalists in Akure, added that the leadership style of Akeredolu on party affairs was always aimed at unity and cohesion of various stakeholders from the unit level to the state level.

Adetimehin said that opposition party members in the state were attracted to the APC due to cohesion within the party.

“Of all the political parties in Ondo State, APC is the only united party. There is no division and we are rancour-free.

“We work together under the leadership of Gov. Akeredolu. He is a man that believes in the supremacy of the party. He never interferes in the running of the party.

“He allows the party to function effectively. That is what brings unity of the party and makes us the strongest political party in the state.

“That is why many members of opposition political parties are coming to join the APC in Ondo State,” he stated.

According to him, three days ago, the grassroot strength of the Peoples Democratic Party( PDP) totally collapsed into the APC.

“ All the former vice chairmen and 203 former councillors of PDP defected to the APC.
In Idanre, the Chairman of PDP Elders’ Forum joined the APC.

“The PDP has gone into extinction in Ondo State and it is is now my duty to manage the APC in Ondo State,” Adetimehin said.

August 14, 2023
Ondo: I will resume official duties once my doctors give me green light – Akeredolu

Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has stated that he is in high spirit to return to official duties in the state as soon as his medical team gives him the green light.

The governor, who has been on medical leave abroad for a while, stated that he was touched by the extraordinary outpouring of genuine affection, prayers and solidarity from the people.

Akeredolu, who left for a 21-day medical leave abroad a few days ago, is scheduled to return home on July 6, 2023 (today), according to a letter he sent to the Ondo State House of Assembly.

In a statement by his Commissioner for Information, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, Akeredolu said that the ceaseless evocation of prayers and messages of goodwill for his full recovery have been serving as a comforting salve and a revitalizing tonic.

He also expressed his deep appreciation to the citizens of the state for their unwavering prayers and messages of goodwill, as he continues his recovery and strives to regain good health.

According to him, the gestures have not only bolstered his determination to stand on his feet once again but have also served as a driving force for him to continue serving the people, particularly the esteemed residents of Ondo State.

Similarly, he extended his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as his team members, party leaders, fellow Governors, and the members of the State House of Assembly.

“This unprecedented display of genuine affection and solidarity have been a soothing balm and the reinvigorating elixir sustaining the determination, not only for the amiable Governor to stand on his feet, but also, and more importantly, for him to continue his service to the people, particularly the good people of Ondo State.

The Governor thanks the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and members of his team, all party leaders, his brother Governors and the members of the State House of Assembly for their support.

July 6, 2023
Ondo Ag. Gov. urges Muslims to pray for Akeredolu

The Ondo State Acting Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has urged the Muslim faithful to use the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir celebration to pray for sound mind and health his boss, Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu.

Aiyedatiwa in his Sallah message on Wednesday in Akure, said the prayer was necessary to enable Akeredolu to pilot the affairs of the state.

He also implored them to emulate Prophet Ibrahim’s heart of sacrifice in their dealings with others.

The acting governor reassured residents of the government’s commitment to peace, unity and sustainable development in the state.

“Warm greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters from the government of Ondo State under the leadership of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on this special day of Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

“Eid-el-Kibir celebration symbolises the extent of total submission of Prophet Ibrahim, when he answered the call of the Almighty Allah to sacrifice his only son, Isma’il to Allah.

“I implore all Muslims to emulate the Prophet’s heart of sacrifice in their dealings. It is therefore imperative that Muslims should integrate the teachings of Eid-el-Kabir in their practical daily living.

“I enjoined all Muslim faithful to use the Sallah celebrations to reflect on their past spiritual activities in the last 12 months and make the necessary sacrifice for peace and unity in our dear state and country.

“No doubt, the celebration is normally characterised by several movements in and around the state and the country, it is important that we remain vigilant,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa, while urging Muslims to cooperate with government by obeying the laws of the land and to maintain peaceful environment, said government was doing everything possible to protect lives and property of residence of the state.

“I call on parents across the state not to allow their wards to be involved in criminal activities. Let us celebrate the Sallah in moderation,” he said.

June 28, 2023
Akeredolu hands over power to deputy

The Ondo State governor Rotimi Akeredolu, has directed his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa to act as the governor while way for medical leave.

The Speaker of the House, Olamide Oladiji, explained that the Governor has embarked on a 21-day leave for medical treatment abroad starting from June 7, 2023 to July 6,2023.

Akeredolu has been battling an unnamed illness for months and has decided to hand over the helm of affairs to his deputy until his return.

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

The Governor has assured of his resumption on the 6th of July,2023.

June 13, 2023