Akeredolu requests extension of medical leave

Ondo State's GOVERNOR Rotimi Akeredolu asked for an extension of his medical leave in a letter to the state House of Assembly yesterday.

The governor made the request in response to medical professionals' recommendations that he should get enough rest after recovering, according to Mr. Olamide Oladiji, Speaker of the Assembly, who acknowledged receipt of the letter.

On June 7, Akeredolu left on a 21-day vacation and was due back on July 6.

He told the Assembly on June 5, 2023, that he was going on medical leave and would return on July 6, 2023.

The Speaker, who received the letter on behalf of other members, stated that the governor's conduct was in accordance with section 190 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria's Constitution (as amended).

He said the governor is “following the doctor’s advice on the need to take adequate rest after recuperating.”

According to the speaker, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the deputy governor, would continue to serve in that capacity "until there is a written declaration to the contrary."

He expressed hope that Akeredolu would quickly return to his duties.

Senior government officials deny cabinet cabals

A cabal in Akeredolu's cabinet is untrue, according to a group of senior public servants in Ondo State who spoke out against it yesterday.

Additionally, they exonerated Mr. Dare Aragbaiye, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, saying that "he has been operating within the powers given to him by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu."

The civil servants, under the aegis of ‘Concerned Stakeholders in the Public Service of Ondo State’, in a statement by their leader, Mr Emmanuel Akinyemi, said: “From the track records of Aragbaiye who worked under different military and civilian governors, he is a very loyal top public servant and he would not go against his scope of official duties.

“At the centre of this controversy are the Deputy Governor, who is now acting Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Commissioner for Finance; Wale Akinterinwa and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Dare Aragbaiye.

“Those who are familiar with the case of cabals in governments would understand that there are no cabals in the Ondo State Government.”

Source