‘He’s still in Germany’ — aide denies reports of Akeredolu’s return to Nigeria

Richard Olatunde, the chief press secretary, to Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo state, has denied reports claiming that his principal is back in Nigeria from the medical trip.

Akeredolu left Nigeria in June for medical attention in Germany following a letter sent to the Ondo state house of assembly of his intention to embark on a 21-day leave.

He asked Lucky Aiyedatiwa, his deputy governor, to act in his stead.

On July 11, Aiyedatiwa said Akeredolu would resume duty after being certified fit by doctors.

However, the continuous stay of the Ondo governor in Germany has generated concerns among the political class and residents of the state.

To allay fears, on July 21, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, his wife, shared a photograph of her husband in a medical facility. Betty posted the picture across her social media handles.

The picture showed the ailing governor sitting on a motorable chair while his wife posed beside him.

On Thursday, a report claimed that Akeredolu had arrived in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, from Germany.

Reacting to the claim in a statement, Olatunde said the return of Akeredolu is “imminent” noting that the report was created by “jittery politicians”.

“We would like to assure the good people of Ondo state and Nigerians in general that the Governor’s return will be widely publicized,” the statement reads.

“While we acknowledge that his return is imminent, we urge our citizens to disregard any false information and preemptive mischief orchestrated by jittery politicians.

“For emphasis, Governor Akeredolu has not yet returned to the country.”