Tragedy has struck the heart of Ondo State as Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has passed away at the age of 67. This heartbreaking news was confirmed by a family source to SaharaReporters on Wednesday, marking a significant loss for the state and the nation.
Governor Akeredolu’s health had been a matter of public concern for some time. After returning from a three-month medical leave in Germany, his health issues persisted, leading to intensive care under State House doctors. Despite their efforts, the governor’s condition deteriorated, making it impossible to seek further treatment abroad.
In the days leading up to his passing, there was a notable search for dialysis machines for the governor, who was in a concealed location in Lagos. This detail highlights the gravity of his health situation during his final days.
The governance of Ondo State had been under the stewardship of Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for Akeredolu to hand over his duties due to his health. This transition of power was a clear indication of the severity of the governor’s condition.
Governor Akeredolu’s illness also had a significant impact on his administrative responsibilities. Post his medical leave, he resided in Ibadan, Oyo State, and attempted to manage state affairs from there. This arrangement led to public discontent and raised questions about the effectiveness of such a governance model.
The First Lady of Ondo State, Betty Akeredolu, had to forgo the celebrations for her 70th birthday in July, citing “unforeseen circumstances beyond my control.” This decision was made amidst public scrutiny and concern over the governor’s deteriorating health.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Governor Akeredolu was battling leukemia. This type of cancer affects the blood and bone marrow and is characterized by an overproduction of abnormal white blood cells. These cells disrupt the body’s ability to fight infections and maintain healthy blood levels.
Symptoms of leukemia, as noted by WebMD Cancer Center, can include weakness, fatigue, easy bruising, frequent infections, bone or joint pain, and unexplained weight loss. Treatment varies based on the type of leukemia and other individual factors, often involving chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and possibly stem cell transplantation.
The passing of Governor Akeredolu is not just a loss for his family and Ondo State but also for Nigeria. His efforts in governance, even amidst challenging health conditions, were notable.
As we report this sad news, our thoughts are with Governor Akeredolu’s family and the people of Ondo State. We also acknowledge SaharaReporters for their initial reporting and information on this matter.
This report is brought to you by MandyNews.com, with credit to SaharaReporters for their initial coverage and information provided.
