Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has passed away at the age of 67.
The governor, battling leukemia, breathed his last in Lagos, where he had been under the care of State House doctors until the end.
The sad news comes after efforts to fly him abroad for treatment proved unsuccessful.
Sources reveal that the governor’s health had been a cause for concern, with reports stating that dialysis machines were sought for his undisclosed location in Lagos just last week.
Akeredolu’s health had taken a downturn after his return to Nigeria in September, following a three-month medical leave in Germany. President Bola Tinubu had directed him to hand over power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who has been serving as Acting Governor in his absence.
The late governor’s attempts to govern from Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, had sparked public outrage. Despite his health challenges, activities planned for his wife Betty’s 70th birthday celebration were suspended in July. Betty Akeredolu took to Twitter to announce the suspension, expressing regret for any inconvenience caused.
It was previously revealed in January that Akeredolu was battling leukemia, a cancer of the blood that disrupts the body’s ability to fight infections. Leukemia leads to an overproduction of abnormal white blood cells, crowding out essential red blood cells and platelets.
The governor’s health struggles were confirmed by sources within the Alagbaka Government House.
The different types of leukemia include acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Treatment for leukemia is complex, with symptoms ranging from weakness, bruising, and fatigue to infections, pain in bones or joints, and severe bleeding.
Ondo State now grapples with the loss of its leader, with Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa stepping into the role of Acting Governor. As the state mourns, questions arise about the future political landscape in the aftermath of Governor Akeredolu’s passing.
