Sanity seems to be returning to Ondo state as the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his supporters appear to be at their wits end on Tuesday when he threw in the towel and transferred power to his deputy, Mr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

Governor Akeredolu is expected to proceed on medical leave on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, as a follow-up to his medical treatment. It is expected that during his medical leave, the governor will prioritise his health and ensure a full recovery before resuming his official duties.

A statement from the governor read: “a formal letter regarding the medical leave and a notice formally transferring power in line with the Nigerian Constitution will be transmitted to the House of Assembly.

“In the absence of Governor Akeredolu, the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, will assume the responsibilities of the Governor in acting capacity.

“Governor Akeredolu expresses his gratitude for the unwavering support and affection of the people of Ondo State.

“He assures them that his administration remains committed to the path of progress and prosperity for the people.

“As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a widely respected Nigerian, Governor Akeredolu has consistently delegated power to his deputy during his annual vacations.

The statement added that “This practice was observed on April 1, 2021, April 1, 2022, April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023, when he embarked on previous vacations.

The governor who was on medical leave for three months in Germany was smuggled back into the country and holed in Ibadan Oyo state since September,this year, from where his immediate family and trusted friends have been calling the shots.

The deputy governor was kept in the dark while the immediate family and those tagged cabal were said to be approving memos and requests on behalf of the governor.

The situation, however, got to a climax last week when a Commissioner in the state alleged that the governor’s signature was forged and he drew the attention of the deputy governor to this criminal act.

Also last week, Mr. Omoyeni Sowore,an indigene of the state served notice of a planned statewide protest insisting that the governor must either resign or resume in Akure the Ondo state capital.

This perhaps informed a second meeting called by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday to find solution to the political challenge in Ondo state.

Although the presidency is yet to issue a statement on the meeting between the President and key stakeholders in the state, it was gathered that President Tinubu directed the governor to transfer power to his deputy.