The Ondo state government has reacted to the rumoured death of governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
The government stated that it is untrue and urged members of the public to ignore the rumour.
According to a statement issued by the state commissioner for information, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, certain persons seek to draw political mileage from the disinformation.
The government noted that the Governor has been indisposed but has been attending to state matters and delegating functions to functionaries of the Government, when necessary.
The statement added, “We have been inundated with calls and messages concerning the state of health of the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON. We had chosen to ignore this wicked fabrication until it appeared that certain persons seek to draw political mileage from the disinformation.
“Though the Governor has been indisposed for hh, he has been attending to state matters and delegating functions to functionaries of the Government, when necessary.
“We enjoin the members of the public to ignore the rumour. Aketi is very much alive.”
The Social Media was flooded with the death of Governor Akeredolu lately.
This compelled the People’s Democratic Party and the Social Democratic Party in ths state to ask the government to declare the health status of the governor.
AIT also debunked news of Akeredolu’s d3ath by showing him in his mini theater room watching Manchester United play.
The TV station noted that Governor Akeredolu, though indisposed, but is still alive.
In another development, while the rumour mills were still spinning, the governor addressed the state lawmakers in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page.
The statement was signed by Olabode Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
PRESS STATEMENT
“Let’s Put the Interest of the People First, Gov Akeredolu Tells Newly Inaugurated Ondo 10th Assembly Members
•Congratulates New Speaker, Other Principal Officers
“Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi , SAN, CON, has charged members of the newly inaugurated 10th Assembly to prioritise the interests of the people of the state in the discharge of their duties.
“The Governor urged the lawmakers to see their assignments as a service to the people of the state who elected them as representatives.
“Governor Akeredolu, who had earlier congratulated the new speaker personally, enjoined the new legislators to be above board and discharge their duties without fear, favor, or interference.
The Governor also commended the assembly members for electing their principal officers without rancor or misunderstanding.
“Legislation is a crucial assignment and one of the most important instruments of government in organizing, developing, and stabilizing society and protecting citizens.
“I congratulate our newly inaugurated lawmakers. Your people have invested trust and confidence in you. You must strive to justify the mandate the people invested in you through quality representation.
“Let me quickly commend you for the smooth conduct in electing principal officers of the House. I congratulate the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oladiji Landmark Olamide , and Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Prince Abayomi Babatunde Akinruntan , and other principal officers of the House.
“You have once again displayed the true spirit of the Sunshine State. Our character and principles have always been our most valued treasures. We are a people of honour and integrity.
“It is our hope and belief that the new Assembly, through its leadership, will have a smooth working relationship with our administration. We are committed to any idea or process that will accelerate the development of our state,” he said.
The Governor equally congratulated the 9th Assembly led by the former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun, for recording a successful tenure in office.
Governor Akeredolu thanked the Oleyelogun-led Assembly for its cordial relationship with his administration.
He noted that the last Assembly displayed diligence, maturity, and understanding in supporting the Executive Arm of government to manage the affairs of the state.
The Governor urged the 10th Assembly to allow the interest of the people and the good of the state to be the guiding and driving force.
Signed:
Olabode Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State
June 3, 2023.
