‘Though frail, he’s still discharging official duties,’ Ondo govt allays fear over Gov Akeredolu’s health condition

The government of Ondo state, on Tuesday, January 17, said that there is no cause for alarm amid concerns about the health status of the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

A recent picture of the governor that showed him looking frail had sparked concerns on social media.

However, the governor’s chief press secretary, Richard Olatunde, in a statement issued in Akure, the state capital, on Tuesday, assured the people of the state and Nigerians, that the governor was in good condition, The Cable reports.

“We have observed the growing anxiety about the state of health of Ondo state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN, CON),” the statement reads.

“The good people of the state and, by extension, other friends and well-wishers continued to express concern over the well-being of the governor, especially since Monday.

“We are constrained to respond to these concerns, but we can assure our people that by the grace of God, there is no cause for alarm on the governor’s state of health.

“Governor Akeredolu, just like every other mere mortal, recently had some health challenge for which he has since received treatment and recuperating speedily.

”Since the governor is not a super human, and the immunity his office enjoys does not extend to physical wellness or otherwise, the health issue is therefore not an unusual one.

“However, contrary to speculations and insinuations making the round, the governor, though frail, is discharging his official functions.

“Mr. Governor is not faced with any life-threatening illness that would have encouraged any alleged conspiracy in his administration.

“In fact, Governor Akeredolu held executive council meeting with the executive members till 4 pm on Wednesday, January 11, after the security council meeting where far reaching decisions were taken on the escalated clashes in Ikare-Akoko region of the state.

“On January 7, Governor Akeredolu led his brothers (governors) in the Southwest and other party bigwigs to receive the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akure for the state presidential campaign rally.

“On January 8, he was at The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Jesus House Cathedral, Region 22 headquarters, Oke-Ijebu, Akure, for the Holy Service commemorating the 2023 armed forces remembrance day celebration.

“For emphasis, Governor Akeredolu, who participated in rigorous campaign activities on the 7th of January, couldn’t have been bedridden as widely speculated.

“Moreso, last Friday, Governor Akeredolu still inaugurated a new refrigerated van for the use of meat dealers in the state.

“He also received the Melvin Jones Award of the Lions Club International same day.

“While we appreciate the growing concerns about his wellbeing and indeed, appreciate the outpour of prayers even beyond partisan lines, we urge all persons of goodwill to ignore unfounded insinuations capable of creating any false sense of needless anxiety.

“Governor Akeredolu will continue to discharge his official duties to the good people of Ondo state, while he finds quality time to rest for renewed vigour and strength just like any man in his situation.”