By Banji Ayoola
“While I remain on the path to recovery, I eagerly await the moment when I will stand among you once again. Rest assured, I am in high spirits and have full faith in the expertise of my doctors.
“I will return to you ALL as soon as they deem it expedient. am in high spirits, eager to return.”
Above were the exact words of Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu today in a letter he wrote to the people of the state assuring them of his recovery and return soon to join the people.
The governor has been on medical leave and he has been receiving treatment overseas.
He wrote:
“My Dear People of Ondo State,
I pen this message with a heart overflowing with immense gratitude and deep appreciation. Your dedication, understanding, ceaseless prayers, and messages of goodwill during my journey to recovery have been nothing short of a soothing balm for my soul.
Your unwavering support and genuine affection have sustained my determination to renewed vigor and, most importantly, to continue serving you, the good people of Ondo State.
I am profoundly grateful to our esteemed President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and his team, as well as all political party leaders, my brother Governors, the State Executive Council, and the members of the State House of Assembly for their unwavering support.
Your collective strength and solidarity have uplifted my spirit and reaffirmed my commitment to our shared vision for progress and development.
While I remain on the path to recovery, I eagerly await the moment when I will stand among you once again. Rest assured, I am in high spirits and have full faith in the expertise of my doctors. I will return to you ALL as soon as they deem it expedient.
My dear people, once again, your prayers, support, and the rejuvenating elixir of goodwill you have bestowed upon me have fortified my resolve. I am resolute in my dedication to serving you and working tirelessly for the betterment of our beloved Ondo State.
Thank you from the depths of my heart.
Sincerely yours,
Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON
Governor of Ondo State”
Swiftly amplifying this letter in a statement titled “Your Prayers and Support Have Been a Soothing Balm”, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, also said that her principal “expresses his profound gratitude to the good people of Ondo State for the ceaseless evocation of prayers and messages of goodwill for his full recovery and return to good health, soon.
“This unprecedented display of genuine affection and solidarity has been a soothing balm and the reinvigorating elixir sustaining the determination, not only for the amiable Governor to stand on his feet, but also, and more importantly, for him to continue his service to the people, particularly the good people of Ondo State.
“The Governor thanks the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and members of his team, all party leaders, his brother Governors and the members of the State House of Assembly for their support. He is in high spirits and expects to join the people of the State as soon as his doctors consider it expedient.”
On June 13 this year, as constitutionally required, the state’s House of Assembly confirmed the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as the acting governor, stepping in for Akeredolu who is on medical leave.
This followed the receipt of a letter from the Akeredolu, notifying it about his going on medical leave for 21 working days following his health condition.
According to the letter, the governor who directed his deputy, Aiyedatiwa to act in his capacity while away assured of his resumption on the 6th of July which is today.
