AKURE, Nigeria – Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the acting Governor of Ondo State, has made a significant administrative change barely 72 hours after assuming office, temporarily suspending Bola Alabi, the Chief of Protocol to the ailing Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, and appointing Olusegun Omojuwa, the deputy chief of protocol, to assume the role.
This decision follows the Ondo State House of Assembly’s declaration of Mr Aiyedatiwa as the state’s acting governor in the wake of Governor Akeredolu embarking on a fresh medical vacation to Germany, following a prolonged battle with an underlying health challenge.
In a circular issued from the state capital, Akure, over the weekend, the acting Governor outlined the temporary administrative rearrangement.
The circular, published by Peoples Gazette on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, and titled ‘Preparation of the acting governor’s engagements,’ specifies that Mr. Alabi will resume his original post upon Governor Akeredolu’s return from his medical leave.
The directive from the acting Governor reads: “The acting Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has directed me to inform all members of the State Executive Council and top government functionaries that the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor will be responsible for the preparation and signing of his official engagements for the time being. The Chief of Protocol (Mr Bola Alabi) will take charge of this responsibility as soon as Mr Governor resumes from his medical vacation. Kindly take note for your guidance and co-operation from time to time.”
Prior to Mr. Aiyedatiwa’s appointment as acting Governor, there was growing pressure on Governor Akeredolu to resign due to his ill health.
His prolonged absence had sparked a political crisis in the state, with cabinet members reportedly clashing over control of power.
