Intrigues over Akeredolu’s health avoidable distraction, says Ondo Ag. Gov

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the acting governor of Ondo State, has said the political imbroglio occasioned by the prolonged absence of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu over his ill health was a distraction that would have been avoidable.

Aiyedatiwa, who stated this in a statewide broadcast on Thursday in Akure, the state capital, also expressed regret over the crisis which, he said, bedevilled the state in the last six months following the tussle within the government as a result of Akeredolu’s illness.

He explained that what happened in the past, with the scramble for power and infighting within the cabinet members, was a temporary delay in the democratic journey of the present administration in the state, urging that there was a need to forge ahead by embracing peace and love.

“At this juncture, permit me to say that only God Almighty has explanations for what happened in the last few months. When nature sets in to hinder human performance, it is always a painful thing. We must acknowledge that the key to the well-being of a man is in the hands of God. It is not for us as humans to question God but to pray for His mercies upon our lives.

“It is in this regard that we admit with all sense of responsibility that the intrigues that ensued due to Mr Governor’s health challenges were indeed avoidable distractions. We ought to have done better so as to keep giving Ondo State the seamless and solid governance which Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, had established in the state in the last six-and-a-half years.

“As a government, we must appreciate the sovereignty of the people that voted us into office and we regret in no unmistakable terms the toll which this whole episode had inflicted on the psyche of the people and the development of the state.

“Despite all these, my dear people, I come to you today, to urge you all not to relent, as you have always done, in your prayers for the quick restoration of good health and strength to our leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON,” Aiyedatiwa said.

While stressing that the government has now recovered from the political chaos, the acting governor appealed to the political actors in the state to join him in returning the state to the path of accelerated progress as envisioned by ailing Governor Akeredolu.

“We must return quickly to the path of accelerated progress that has eluded the state in the last few months. We must eschew unnecessary distractions. We can no longer be separated by interest or by purpose.

Aiyedatiwa also appreciated President Bola Tinubu, the Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, and Afenifere leader, Reuben Fasoranti, amongst others for their part in the peace process in the state.

The resumption of Aiyedatiwa as the acting governor of the state came after the House of Assembly received a letter from Akeredolu transmitting power to the deputy as he embarked on another trip on medical vacation.