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Tag: Rotimi Akeredolu

  • What Akeredolu would be remembered for – APC Canada

    What Akeredolu would be remembered for – APC Canada

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Canada has described the former governor of Ondo State, late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, as a man to be remembered for his services to humanity.

    Akeredolu, aged 67, died on Wednesday morning after a protracted illness.

    The Vice Chairman of APC in Canada, Dr Abiola Oshodi, stated this in a telephone interview on Wednesday with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the demise of the former governor.

    “Dr Abiola Oshodi and all the members of his political family mourn Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, popularly called Aketi.

    “We console the family, and the great people of Ondo State, over his demise after a protracted terminal illness.

    “Arakunrin fought gallantly even till the end, he was bold, courageous even in death .

    “Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu  was a man of integrity whose personality represented courage and dedication to good governance.

    “He has laid down many legacy projects across the state  and we will remember him for all the services he rendered to humanity. You came, you saw, you fought and you conquered,” he said.

    Oshodi described the former governor’s death as a colossal loss to the state and Nigeria at large, adding that his death had put the state in a mourning and sad mode.

    Oshodi, who is also a psychiatrist consultant, prayed for the departed soul  to rest In peace.

  • BREAKING: Aiyedatiwa storms office for swearing-in ceremony as Ondo gov.

    BREAKING: Aiyedatiwa storms office for swearing-in ceremony as Ondo gov.

    The acting governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has arrived at the Governor’s Office for the swearing-in ceremony as the state governor.

    Aiyedatiwa will be sworn in as Governor of Ondo State following the demise of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu earlier on Wednesday, December 27, 2023.

    It was gathered that Aiyedatiwa was at Igbokoda to attend his yearly programme for the Christian community tagged “Ilaje For Christ.”

    He however cut short his holiday following the death of Governor Akeredolu.

    The programme was held in conjunction with Ilaje religious leaders to appreciate God for putting an end to bloodshed and restoring peace to Ilaje land.

    Speaking at the programme, Aiyedatiwa said: “We are here again to thank God for Nigeria, Ondo state and Ilaje nation two years after the commencement of this yearly praise and worship programme, there’s no more spilling of blood in our land.

    “The remaining days of this year, God will surprise all of us and we will enter the New Year triumphantly,” he added before leaving for Akure, the Ondo State capital.

     

     

  • Ondo govt clarifies cause of Akeredolu’s death

    Ondo govt clarifies cause of Akeredolu’s death

    The Ondo State Government has said that Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu succumbed to death at German hospital in the early hours of Wednesday from complications arising from prostate cancer.

    An official statement on Wednesday afternoon by the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, confirmed the governor’s death.

    “With a heavy heart, the Ondo State Government announces the tragic passing of our beloved Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.

    “Mr Governor peacefully departed from this world in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 27, 2023. This tragedy has left behind a profound void in our hearts.

    “Gov. Akeredolu answered the eternal call while receiving medical treatment in Germany.

    “He succumbed to complications arising from protracted prostate cancer,” the statement read.

    The statement also said that a letter had been sent to President Bola Tinubu to officially inform him of the demise of Akeredolu.

    “The Family and the Ondo State Government appreciate Mr President for his support for Governor Akeredolu during his illness.

    “The family and the state government will release further details regarding the funeral arrangements.

    “Gov. Akeredolu was an extraordinary leader whose unwavering dedication to the state and its people was both commendable and unparalleled.

    “He not only served as the Governor of Ondo State but also emerged as a prominent advocate for the entire South-West region and the nation.

    “Gov. Akeredolu was a courageous leader and an exemplar of integrity. The weight of this loss is truly unbearable.

    “However, we find solace in the knowledge that Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu lived a purposeful life, devoted to the service of God Almighty,” the statement concluded.

  • BREAKING: Ondo Assembly declares Aiyedatiwa acting governor

    BREAKING: Ondo Assembly declares Aiyedatiwa acting governor

    Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, on Wednesday, December 13, declared Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as acting governor, following the receipt of the letter from Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on transmitting power.

    He, however, clarified that a constitutional procedure is required, and he would direct the Clerk of the House to provide his consent to the Secretary of the State Government.

    Oladiji said that he had told the House members about the meeting with President Bola Tinubu and that they had accepted the governor’s letter.

    According to the speaker, there won’t be any sitting on the matter as he will release a press statement after concluding the process of transmitting power to the deputy governor.

    Aiyedatiwa will now take over the duties of the governor in an acting capacity until a formal declaration to the contrary is made, according to the Speaker’s statement.

    The statement reads partly: “Following the Doctor’s advice on the need for medical follow-up after recuperating, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON has forwarded the letter on medical leave to the State House of Assembly.

    “Receiving the letter on behalf of other lawmakers, the Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji said the Governor’s action is in line with Section 190 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    “According to the letter, his Deputy, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa would now assume the responsibilities of the Governor in an acting capacity until there is a written declaration to the contrary.”

  • Fresh controversy rocks Ondo over forgery of Akeredolu’s signature

    Fresh controversy rocks Ondo over forgery of Akeredolu’s signature

    The Ondo State Government has been enmeshed in fresh controversy following allegations that the signature of the State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has been forged.

    Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Razaq Obe alleged the forgery of the signature of Governor Akeredolu on an official document of his ministry.

    Obe raised the allegation in a letter dated Dec. 7 addressed to the Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    The letter titled, “Forgery of Mr Governor’s signature on official document” was made available to journalists on Friday in Akure.

    Obe said he observed irregularities in the signature when files from his ministry were returned through the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Princess Oladunni Odu.

    He noted that after his discovery, the forensic expert had confirmed that the governor’s signature was forged.

    “I write to call your attention to a critical matter that has been confirmed; the signature of Mr Governor on a certain document has been forged.

    “The irregularities in the signature were first observed when a file from my ministry was returned through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

    “This is the only file that has been returned so far out of the five files that were sent to Mr Governor for approval about two months ago.

    “Under close inspection, I noticed significant differences between the suspicious signature and handwriting and Mr Governor’s known signature and handwriting in the file.

    “Concerned about the gravity of the situation, I decided to seek a forensic review before disclosing my discovery.

    “I sent the suspicious signature, handwriting samples, and copies of the old regular signatures to forensic experts, who have now confirmed that the suspicious signature and handwriting were indeed forged.

    “Despite the inherent risks involved, I have chosen to fulfill the obligations of my office by reporting this alarming development to you as the highest-ranking member of the State Executive Council after Mr Governor.

    “I firmly believe that this is the course of action our esteemed leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, would take in such a situation.

    “Considering the possibility that such forgery may be widespread, this heads-up is of utmost importance to the government and people of Ondo State.

    “I have attached a copy of the forensic report and relevant pages from the file for your reference.

    “I urge you to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves and take appropriate actions to address the situation.

    “It is crucial that we restore the integrity of our processes and ensure that such a disturbing development is swiftly punctuated,” the letter reads.

    Akeredolu has been absent from the state since June due to medical reasons.

    The governor has been in his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State after returning from a three-month medical leave from Germany on Sept. 7.

  • Ondo: Court orders state Assembly to investigate Akeredolu’s health status

    Ondo: Court orders state Assembly to investigate Akeredolu’s health status

    An Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure the state capital has ordered the State House of Assembly to form a panel of medical personnel to investigate the status of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s health.

    Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has been governing Ondo state since returning from Germany on a medical vacation few months ago.

    Recall that a coalition of civil society groups through their conveners, Olufemi Lawson, Ologun Ayodeji, Isijola Kike and Arogbo Olaniyi, approached the court to seek an order that would compel the state assembly to investigate Akeredolu’s health.

    The coalition, through their counsel, Dotun Ajulo, named the state assembly, its speaker, Olamide Oladiji and Governor Rotimi Akeredolu as respondent.

    Ruling on the matter on Wednesday, Justice A. I. Kolawole ordered the lawmakers to set up a medical panel to provide clear report on the governor’s health.

    According to the judge, the order was in line with Section 189(4) of the 1999 Constitution.

    The matter was subsequently adjourned to January 11, 2024.

  • Ondo Crisis: APC chieftains make U-turn, want Aiyedatiwa as Acting Gov

    Ondo Crisis: APC chieftains make U-turn, want Aiyedatiwa as Acting Gov

    The political crisis in Ondo state has taken a new twist as the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state have insisted that the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, should be empowered as acting governor, despite president Tinubu’s intervention for status-quo to remain.

    Some chieftains of the party operating under the umbrella of Ondo APC Progressives Stakeholders, in Akure at the weekend insisted that Aiyedatiwa should take over as Acting Governor in accordance with constitutional provisions towards resolving the political imbroglio in the state.

    Recall that Tinubu had called for the maintenance of the status quo, urging Aiyedatiwa to continue as the deputy governor.

    However, the Ondo APC stakeholders, after their meeting in Akure, expressed concerns over the continued absence of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, stating that it has adversely affected the governance and economy of the state.

    In a statement issued after the meeting and signed by the Chairman, former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Afe Olowookere, and Secretary, Hon. Raman Rotimi, who was also a former APC Secretary in the state, the urgent need for the House of Assembly to empower Aiyedatiwa to assume the responsibilities of the acting governor was emphasized.

    “APC party members should be allowed to participate and determine those to be appointed or elected into political and party offices.

    “Elders and leaders of the party must be recognised and given their pride of place in the party, rather than being neglected and ostracised by the party.

    “The system of writing the names of party executives and candidates without due process will be objected to and resisted with all political and legal means possible,_ the statement said.

  • Four South-West governors visit ailing Akeredolu in Ibadan

    Four South-West governors visit ailing Akeredolu in Ibadan

    Four South-west Governors on Tuesday morning  paid a courtesy visit on ailing Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu who has been recuperating in his Ibadan residence, Oyo State, since he returned to Nigeria from abroad where he had gone for medical treatment.

    While Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State was absent, due to his visit to Kogi state, the visiting governors are Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State and they  were hosted on Tuesday by Governor Makinde of Oyo State in his office at Agodi, Ibadan.

    Akeredolu has remained in Ibadan since he returned from his medical trip to Germany.

    After a private meeting at the Governor’s Office, they proceeded to the residence of Governor Akeredolu at Jericho Ibadan.

  • Why Akeredolu is governing Ondo from Oyo state – Aide

    Why Akeredolu is governing Ondo from Oyo state – Aide

    The Special Adviser on Special Duty and Strategy to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, Doyin Odebowale, has revealed that his principal is governing Ondo state fron Ibadan the Oyo state capital.

    According to Odebowale, his principal chose to work from Ibadan and not Akure due to accomodation challenges.

    Odebowale made this known  in an interview with Channels Television on Tuesday.

    Akeredolu has been absent from the state since his return from a medical vacation abroad.

    The Ondo leader has been working from Ibadan, Oyo State and the move has caused ripples within the state, with the youths of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday, issuing an ultimatum to the governor to return.

    Shedding more lights, Odebowale said due to Governor Akeredolu‘s state of health, he needed a better apartment to carry out his task of marshalling the affairs of the South-West state.

    “Aketi came back in September. Where he used to stay – the Presidential Lodge built for the visiting president at that time Olusegun Obasanjo – is a two-bedroom apartment,” he said on the show.

    “Now, he is back. He cannot occupy that place again. The Old Governor’s Office – the Governor’s Lodge built by the previous administration is now the office of the investment outlet called the ODIPA. That’s the office,” the governor’s aide added.

    “So, the governor has been managing a two-bedroom apartment for six years. But his current state of health would not permit him to pretend that all is well.

    “He would need all the things for him to recover properly. That’s why the new place that is being arranged for him is almost completed.

    “When they say they want to see Aketi, do they want to see him at the site so that he would be carrying cement or following workmen?

    “What exactly? The civil servants have been paid all their salaries. Aketi has been signing laws since he came back,” he maintained.

  • 63rd Independence: Nigeria has no excuse to be great – Akeredolu

    63rd Independence: Nigeria has no excuse to be great – Akeredolu

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state, says that Nigeria at 63 has no excuse not to be great, calling on all Nigerians to rise up and tackle the myriads of challenges facing them.

    Akeredolu stated this on Friday at a Jumat Service in commemoration of Nigeria’s 63rd independence anniversary at the Central Mosque, Akure.

    Represented by Hon. Raimi Aminu, the state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, the Governor said that though the country’s challenges looked insurmountable, Nigerians should cooperate with the current administration of President Bola Tinubu to solve all the problems and bring succour to the entire citizenry.

    He explained that the Tinubu-led administration was putting in place some frantic efforts to ensure that it puts smiles on the faces of Nigerians and that the country becomes a place of pride.

    According to him, all that is needed is patience, cooperation and double efforts by the citizens.

    “The task before us is to build a viable and strong economy that would generate a prosperous, progressive and dignified country.

    “We can only attain this by more hard work, enterprise, peace, creativity and defence of our country,” he said.

    Akeredolu noted that his administration had put in place some palliative measures to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal by the Federal government.

    He added that the state government had decided to give out farm inputs to farmers to boost food production in the state, saying that payment of registration and consultancy fees had been put on hold in all government hospitals in the state.

    The Governor promised that the state government would not spare efforts at improving the lots of the people of the state, and asked citizens to eschew evil and defend the state.

    Earlier, the Chief Imam of the state, Sheikh Abdulhakeem Yayi Akorede, asked the Tinubu-led government to fix the country’s economy and infrastructure quickly so that Nigerians’ suffering would not linger.

    Akorede said that it was pitiable that Nigerians were going through excruciating pains as a result of unbearable cost of living and decayed infrastructure.

    He stated that he had confidence in Tinubu’s agenda in putting an end to multifaceted problems of the country, and described the president as a listening person.

    The Chief Imam urged those challenging the victory of the president to withdraw their suits so that the government could squarely face the mandate of providing security and enabling environment for Nigerians to thrive.

    He commended the state government for the various palliative measures put in place and the return of free school shuttle scheme, saying it would go a long way in cushioning the effects of high transportation fares by students in the state.