By Mo Isa
The Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, is dead at 67.
According to SaharaReporters, Akeredolu died on Wednesday in Lagos, after battling leukaemia, a cancer of the blood caused by a rise in the number of white blood cells in the body.
He was managed by State House doctors up to his death because they could not fly him abroad.
“Akeredolu is dead; he died in Lagos.
“They were looking for dialysis machines to be sent to his secret location in Lagos last week,” the report said.
The ailing governor returned to Nigeria in September following a three-month medical leave in Germany and only recently proceeded on another one after he was directed by President Bola Tinubu to hand over power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
His deputy, Aiyedatiwa has been standing in as Acting Governor.
Following his return to Nigeria in September, Akeredolu stayed in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital and tried to govern the state from there, leading to public outrage.
READ ALSO | Cross River Local Government Polls: Challenges, Forecast, Expectations
Meanwhile, Akeredolu was the loudest voice calling for late President Musa Yar’adua to hand over to his Vice, Goodluck Jonathan following his ailment – which later led to his death.
On July 9, Akeredolu’s wife, Betty announced the suspension of activities lined up to celebrate her 70th birthday.
The Ondo first lady announced the suspension of the activities in Twitter posts after questions were raised over plans to have a fanfare despite her husband’s ill health.
“Hello, Family and Friends. This is to inform you that all activities lined up to mark my 70th birthday are hereby suspended till further notice due to unforeseen circumstances beyond my control. Sorry for any inconvenience caused by this development.
“Nevertheless, be assured that I will be celebrated in style upon my return. Thank you for your understanding. I remain Arabinrin a.k.a Ada Owere I,” she tweeted.
CONVERSEER reports that Akeredolu’s deputy, Aiyedatiwa will take over until the expiration of their tenure.