Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has returned to the country from his medical leave.
His arrival took place on Thursday, September 7, 2023. Following his return, Governor Akeredolu held a meeting with prominent figures from Ondo State in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, where his plane landed.
Among those present at the meeting were members of the State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Oladiji Olamide; the State Executive Council members, led by Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa; National Assembly members, headed by Senator Jide Ipinsagba; and Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Working Committee, with Chairman Engr. Ade Adetimehin leading the way.
Also in attendance were youth groups, under the leadership of Ondo APC Youth Leader Comrade Olawande Ayo Wisdom; former Local Government Chairmen, represented by Hon. Augustine Ogbesetore; and members of the Foundation of Wives of Ondo State Officials (FOWOSO).
The Governor’s wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, was also present to welcome the FOWOSO members. During the meeting, Governor Akeredolu officially handed his resumption letter to Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide, and provided a copy to Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was also in attendance.
Governor Akeredolu said:”I came back yesterday, and as you know, it was a long journey. I decided that I must meet with you today. God has answered our prayers, and we give Him all the glory.”
“I can assure you that our return is to the glory of God and the prayers of all of you here, and those who wished us well, I thank you very much. God has done what the majority of our people wanted. Majority of our people here knelt down and prayed for our return, and we have returned.
“So, because we had to land here in Ibadan first, I said I have to meet with House of Assembly members here. We are here, and we are back. I am back, and by the grace of God, I will be alive to complete for my full tenure in office.
“I want to tell you that I am back, and I will resume work immediately. This is my letter of resumption.”
The Speaker, representing the legislators, conveyed their thanks for the Governor’s safe return, emphasizing that his comeback was a fulfillment of their prayers.
In his meeting with the State Executive Council members, Governor Akeredolu shared that he had submitted his resumption letter to the State House of Assembly Speaker. He also expressed his gratitude to the Executive Council members for their prayers and their commendable efforts during his absence due to medical leave.
The Governor emphasised: ”We are now back, and we give God all the glory. I have to let members of the House of Assembly know first that we have returned. As of today, I’m back as Governor of Ondo State. We thank God that I am alive and here. It’s your prayers that have kept us here. The office of the Governor has resumed full work.”
Governor Akeredolu also conducted meetings with members of the National Assembly, which included Senator Jide Ipinsagba representing Ondo North, as well as the House of Representatives members representing various constituencies: Hon. Timehin Adelegbe for Owo/Ose, Hon. Donald Ojogo for Ilaje/Ese-Odo, Hon. Festus Akingbaso for Idanre/Ifedore, Hon. Jimi Odimayo for Okitipupa/Irele, and Hon. Gboyega Adefarati for Akoko South West/South East.
In these interactions, the Governor expressed his gratitude to the people of Ondo State for their unwavering prayers and support throughout his recovery journey. He reassured them of his administration’s steadfast commitment to the state’s progress and development.