A high-ranking cabinet member in Ondo State has confirmed the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
The source said Akeredolu succumbed to an undisclosed health challenge in the early hours of Wednesday.
The cabinet official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that the governor, grappling with a health issue that had not been publicly disclosed, passed away despite the efforts of medical personnel, including his private doctor.
Governor Akeredolu, who had been noticeably absent from the state for an extended period, ultimately lost the battle for his life. The entire state is now grappling with the loss of its leader.
“He (Akeredolu) died in the early hours of this morning and the sad news has reached some of us in the cabinet,” he said. “I was told that doctors battled to save his life including his physician who has been attending to his health while in Ibadan.”
The member of the cabinet was unable to promptly disclose the specifics surrounding Mr. Akeredolu’s demise and the location where it took place.
“His wife (Betty) has confirmed the death of his husband to some cabinet members who called him early this morning and it was shocking, particularly to those loyal to the government,” he further added.
The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, was unable to immediately confirm the news when contacted by The Gazette.
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However, a presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, verified Mr. Akeredolu’s passing, revealing that he had been grappling with a severe ailment and succumbed to it in ‘Germany,’ where he had been undergoing treatment.
Mr. Onanuga further cited the state Commissioner for Finance, Wale Akinteriwa, a close associate of Mr. Akeredolu, who conveyed that the governor had battled Leukaemia for several months before his demise.
Quoting Mr. Akinteriwa, he stated, “It’s true.” Aged 67, Mr. Akeredolu had been afflicted with Leukaemia, a cancer affecting blood-forming tissues and compromising the body’s ability to combat infections.
Despite a previous trip to Germany, he returned to Nigeria in September after a three-month medical leave. However, his health deteriorated, leading to calls for him to temporarily transfer power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Subsequently, Mr. Akeredolu resided at his private residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, amidst mounting calls for his resignation. President Bola Tinubu intervened to address political discord, especially among cabinet members, directing that government control be handed over to Mr. Aiyedatiwa in an acting capacity pending the governor’s recovery.