Akeredolu returns to Ondo after five weeks in Abuja

Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo state, returned to Akure, the state capital, on Friday after staying in Abuja for at least five weeks.

Akeredolu’s absence in the state had generated criticisms, with some accusing the governor of abandoning the state while others said he was undergoing treatment for an unknown sickness.

The governor arrived at the Akure Airport at exactly 5.24 pm and was welcomed by members of the state executive council led by Agboola Ajayi, his deputy.

Akeredolu later confirmed to reporters that he sought medical attention in Abuja and needed time to recuperate.

“Yes, I needed to seek medical attention. It was nothing so serious as overblown because it is routine. But on my return, I needed to take some time off based on advice. It wasn’t as serious as people blew it,” he said.

“But basically, my stay back in Abuja was indeed not a serious period to even rest because I had to attend to a lot of issues that will move the state forward.

“I received in audience a world-class medical foundation, Medicus International, from Germany as I presided over the signing of the MoU for them to build a world class Medical city in Akure.

“You are aware that I attended the governors’ forum meeting as well as the National Economic Council meeting and several others.

“Of a particular note was the meeting I held with the World Bank that will bring in a capital of about $19 million for the development of the state. As you can see, I’m back fresher and stronger to continue the work the good people of the state mandated me to do.”

The governor’s confirmation of his illness contradicts the position of Donald Ojogo, commissioner of information, who had earlier said Akeredolu did not seek medical attention in Abuja.