Isaacs Kekemeke, the national vice-chairman (South-West) of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), says Governor Rotimi Akeredolu is still recovering and maintained that no one is immune to illness.

Mr Kekemeke said this in a statement shortly after the party’s national chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, revealed that Mr Akeredolu was in a state of “extreme incapacity.” 

“I urge all people with some humanity in their hearts to allow Governor Akeredolu to complete his recuperation, as we should know that nobody is above sickness,” said Mr Kekemeke.

Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Adamu said ailing Mr Akeredolu was incapacitated and hospitalised overseas. 

But Mr Kekemeke denied the comment credited to Mr Adamu. He described Mr Adamu’s remarks as a “prayer” to raise empathy and extend solidarity with the people of Ondo over the fragile health of Mr Akeredolu.

The South-West chairman said he was at the meeting with the state chairs of the APC in Abuja, where Mr Adamu only extended his solidarity with the people of Ondo over the fragile health of Mr Akeredolu.

Mr Kekemeke noted that he was surprised to read the report credited to the APC national, saying, “Akeredolu is in a state of extreme incapacity”.

The chairman said Mr Adamu’s comment gaffe was ‘sensationalised’, insisting that the APC national chair only prayed for the quick recovery of the Ondo governor. 

He added, “The national chairman did not and could not have made such comment like ‘Akeredolu in State of Extreme Incapacity’, but only genuinely prayed for the governor’s quick recovery.

“I had thought that the explanation by the state government should have sufficiently ended any further discussions on the matter. I am surprised it is still being discussed as a statement of fact.”

Mr Akeredolu had written the State House of Assembly to extend his medical leave. He asked that his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, should continue to act on his behalf. 

The letter came after the governor assured the residents of the state that he was in high spirits and had faith in the expertise of his doctors, who had advised him to take more rest. 

Mr Akeredolu had embarked on medical leave on June 6, 2023, and was expected to return on July 6, 2023. His ill health continued to generate anxiety in the state, especially among the members of his cabinet.