Ailing Ondo governor to fly abroad as health crisis deepens

Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, is reportedly in a critical condition and set to be flown out of Nigeria on Saturday for medical treatment.

Sources within the government confirmed to The ICIR on Friday that the governor’s health had deteriorated and he needed “serious prayers.”

Akeredolu has been battling with an illness, believed to be blood cancer (leukemia), for a while and his frail appearance has raised concerns among the public.

The governor had dismissed rumours of his death in April and proceeded on a two-week working vacation as part of his annual leave. He was expected to resume work on April 26.

However, Sahara Reporters reported on Thursday that Akeredolu had become bedridden and was unable to sign official documents. The online newspaper also reported that he was in his residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Following the report, Akeredolu’s family decided to fly him abroad this weekend as his health had become critical. The family also asked security agents and a few politicians around him to put off their mobile phones to prevent pictures of the governor’s emaciated looks from getting out.

Akeredolu is the 18th person to lead Ondo State since its creation in 1976 and the sixth elected governor of the state. He was sworn in for a second term of four years on February 24, 2021.

He is also the most vocal governor in Nigeria’s South against atrocities committed by non-state actors, including herders’ rampages that killed hundreds and insurgency and banditry that spiralled in many northern states during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure.

In January, his wife, Betty, attacked one of her husband’s female aides, Bunmi Ademosu, for allegedly interfering in the governor’s health management. She also accused Ademosu of plotting to become the state deputy governor.

Betty’s recorded audio outburst against Ademosu leaked from a Whatsapp page having the governor’s appointees.

She warned Ademosu to stay away from her husband and stop sneaking in concoction from “her fake pastors” to give him to drink.

She also vowed to deal with Ademosu mercilessly and make her live the rest of her life in regret should anything happen to her husband.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the state has reacted to the issue in a statement issued by its chairman, Stephen Adewale, in Akure, the state capital.

He said being a public officer, the governor’s health record should not be shrouded in secrecy.

He called on the governor to make his medical records public to lessen tension in the state.

He said there were doubts over the governor’s capacity to continue to govern the state.

He added that the situation undermined the ability of the state government to fulfil its obligations and commitments.

Newsflash Nigeria is an online newspaper that is developed and written exclusively for Nigerians. It’s packed with up-to-the-minute Local and National Economy News, Share & Capital Market, Health, Sports, Education, Technology, Business and Opinions.

To make further advert enquiries or place an order, please contact us at [email protected] and +2348053316946 and WhatsApp number 08033546732