A spokesman to President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the death of Ondo State governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Akeredolu, who died on Wednesday aged 67 after a prolonged illness, is survived by his wife Betty and four children.
A senior government official in Ondo State disclosed. Akeredolu died at about 2:00 am on Wednesday at a German hospital where he was receiving treatment.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga in a tweet said Akeredolu “finally lost the battle with ravaging illness.”
Akeredolu reportedly died of leukemia and prostate cancer.
The Ondo State governor, who had a long battle with illness, returned to Nigeria in September after embarking on a three-month medical leave in Germany.
In December, he handed over power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on December 13, for him to travel to Germany for treatment after his health reportedly worsened.
Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Bamidele Olateju, during a recent TV interview, described the governor’s ailment as “somatic”.
The Ondo State government is yet to speak on Akeredolu’s death as at the time of filing this report. Members of the cabinet have been unreachable to comment on the development.
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State on Wednesday disclosed that arrangements were being concluded to swear in Akeredolu deputy, Aiyedatiwa as governor.
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