The Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, Jimoh Ibrahim, has advised Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State not to rush his return to the country from his medical leave.
In a telephone conversation with the governor at the weekend, Ibrahim suggested that the governor should cancel his return ticket and take ample time to rest before resuming official duties.
According to a letter sent to the Ondo State House of Assembly, Akeredolu, who embarked on a 21-day medical leave abroad, is expected back in the country on July 6, 2023.
Highlighting the constitutional provision that allows the governor to transfer power to his deputy in his absence, the federal lawmaker drew attention to the extended medical leave taken by former President Muhammadu Buhari, which lasted nearly six months.
While urging Akeredolu to take ample time to recuperate, the business mogul said, “Your Excellency, Arakunrin, it is important for you to cancel the date of your return ticket and have a sufficient holiday. You need to rest very well so that you will be adequately fit when you return to duty.
“You’re not a machine, Arakunrin, so you need ample time to rest very well, having been serving the state round the clock for the past seven years,” Ibrahim said.
“The government of Ondo State will continue to run pending your return. So, there’s no need for you to be in a hurry to return.
“It is constitutional for you, as a governor, to transmit power to your deputy. When you’re back, you will inform the Assembly and return to office.
“Arakunrin, there’s a precedent in this regard. President Muhammadu Buhari was away for six months while on medical leave and later returned to office.
“We know you are going to return safe to our state. Thank God, you’re now okay. But you need to rest very well,” Ibrahim added.
However, Senator Ibrahim called on the people of the state to continue to pray for Akeredolu, whom he described as the best governor the state has ever produced.
“I want to implore the people of Ondo State to continue to pray for our governor’s safe return.
“Arakunrin is the best governor Ondo State has ever produced since its creation,” he added.