fbpx
General Entertainment

Akeredolu’s Death Trajectory And its Attendant Political Uproar In Ondo 

The news of the death of Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has created a whirlwind of mourning, devastation and melancholy on faces of people across the sunshine state.  

Akeredolu died on Wednesday after a protracted battle with sickness.

Until his demise which was made official by the state government on Wednesday, the governor had crisscrossed between Nigeria and Europe for medical care, in a bid to escape the hunting spectre of the deadly ailment.

In March 2022, the governor reportedly traveled to Germany immediately after the March 26th presidential Election of the All Progress Congress. His absence at the Eagles Square, Venue of the political activity triggered speculation and curiosity by members of the public. 

Following the viral report of his ill-health, his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde issued a statement saying the governor was in Dubai till March 31. Olatunde’s statement however contradicted another response within the state government which confirmed that Akerdolu was in Germany for a ‘deserved rest.’

After 14 days of absence which was marred with conflicting death rumours, the governor returned to Nigeria precisely on April 17th 2022.

Again, in June 7th, the governor began another 21-day leave on a medical trip to Germany. In a letter transmitted to the state house of Assembly, he was scheduled to return to the country on the 6th of July.

His failure to return at a slated date triggered controversies in Ondo State as some of his appointees and family members jostled for the control of government. 

During his prolonged stay in Germany, Akeredolu was said to have died in another viral report that jolted the social space. As expected, the death rumour was debunked by the state government with a video footage that captured him singing and dancing in a deliberate move to prove the governor is hale and hearty. The video was circulated across the social media.

In July 14th, Akeredolu wrote to the state Assembly, requesting his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa to take over as acting governor following his inability to return days after he was scheduled to resume office. 

In August, the governor returned to Nigeria amidst wild jubilation in Ondo State. However, Akeredolu stopped in Ibadan where he governed and met with some stakeholders from his state.

During his stay in the Oyo State capital, the state assembly leveled impeachable allegations against his deputy, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and sent a notice of impeachment to him.

The move which was greeted with legal fireworks created another round of political turmoil and rendered the state ungovernable for over three months.

Following an intervention by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who called the major actors in the state to the presidential villa, with a view to resolving the impasse, Aiyedatiwa impeachment’s process was suspended by the Assembly and was allowed to carry on as acting governor.

Two week after the resolution, Akeredolu was reportedly flown back to Germany for another medical attention after it was glaring his health condition had deteriorated.

He was confirmed dead on Wednesday December 27, 2023 at the age of 67.

Follow us on social media

Seun Akin

Seun Johnson is a professional journalist and proficient media strategist with over 10 years of consistent work experience. He is Verse in content creation and versatile in editorial administration with a deep knowledge in digital, print and broadcast journalism.

Related Articles

Back to top button