AKURE, Nigeria — As rumors about his health continue to circulate, a new image of the ailing Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has been shared online on Friday, July 21, 2023, by his wife, Betty Akeredolu, seeking to quell concerns.
Governor Akeredolu, battling an undisclosed ailment, had transferred power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, last month before seeking medical treatment abroad.
The specific location of his treatment remains undisclosed.
The first lady of Ondo State, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, had revealed in a controversial voice note that went viral early in 2023 that the governor was suffering from an undisclosed form of cancer.

Originally scheduled to return to office on July 6th, Governor Akeredolu sought and received approval from the Ondo State House Assembly for an extended medical leave, leaving the date of his return indefinite.
The uncertainty around his absence has fueled speculation about the seriousness of his condition.
However, the recently shared image provides a reassuring glimpse of the governor, who appears to be stable.
The photograph, released on Friday, July 21, 2023, shows Akeredolu seated in a wheelchair, donned in a white tracksuit, with his wife beside him.
The governor appears to be on the mend, and the photograph demonstrates that he is recuperating swiftly.
The image release coincided with Akeredolu’s 67th birthday, a significant day marked in contrast to the ongoing speculations about his health.
The governor’s wife has not publicly stated about her husband’s health beyond the shared image.
As the Ondo State Governor’s health status remains largely undisclosed, Nigerians wait in hope for the recovery of their leader.
Ondo’s Governor Akeredolu Extends Medical Leave Over Worsening Health Condition
Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has extended his medical leave following advice from his physicians.
The development was confirmed in a letter sent to the state House of Assembly on Monday, July 10, 2023.
The first lady of Ondo State, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, had revealed in a controversial voice note that went viral early in 2023 that the governor was suffering from an undisclosed form of cancer.
The letter stated that Akeredolu’s decision to extend his leave is based on his doctors’ recommendation to take adequate time to recuperate fully before resuming his official duties.
The letter, however, did not stipulate the duration of the extended leave.
In Akeredolu’s absence, Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa will continue to serve in an acting capacity until the governor’s return.
The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, who received the letter, commended Governor Akeredolu for complying with constitutional provisions by officially informing the Assembly about his extended leave.
He noted, “Following the doctor’s advice on the need to take adequate rest after recuperating, Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu has forwarded the letter of extension on medical leave to the Ondo State House of Assembly. His action aligns with Section 190 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).”
The Speaker expressed his gratitude for the governor’s speedy recovery and wished him well in his continued recuperation process.
Governor Akeredolu initially informed the Ondo State House of Assembly of his intention to proceed on medical leave in a letter dated June 7, 2023.
He was initially expected to resume his duties on July 6, 2023, but his medical team advised further rest.
The governor’s prolonged absence has stirred concern among Ondo State residents eagerly anticipating his return to official duties.