Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has passed away at the age of 67 after a prolonged illness.
The Ondo State government confirmed his death, attributing it to protracted prostate cancer.
State Information Commissioner Mrs. Bamidele Ademola-Olatru issued a statement revealing that Governor Akeredolu died in Germany on Wednesday.
Akeredolu, who returned to Nigeria last September from a medical trip to Germany, handed over power to his deputy, Lucky Ayedatiwa, on December 3, following President Tinubu’s intervention in the political crisis caused by the governor’s prolonged absence.
After the handover, Akeredolu returned to Germany for further treatment before his demise.
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Following the formal announcement of the governor’s death, the Acting Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa, was sworn into office as the substantive governor of Ondo State.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Governor’s Office in Akure, officiated by the State Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola, with the presence of other judges, top government officials, and members of the State House of Assembly.
Akeredolu’s health had been a matter of concern, and recent reports indicated that he was being treated for leukemia, a type of blood cancer.
Despite efforts to manage the condition, his health reportedly deteriorated, leading to his demise in Lagos.
The passing of the governor marks the end of a challenging period marked by health struggles, medical leaves, and public concern over the leadership of Ondo State.
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