Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo has expressed optimism that he would live long and be “alive” to complete his four-year second term tenure in the state. 

Mr Akeredolu revealed this on Friday while meeting with the members of the state executive council (SEC) and the members of the State House of Assembly, in Ibadan, Oyo state capital. 

“So, because we had to land here in Ibadan first, I said I have to meet with House of Assembly members here. We are here, and we are back. I am back, and by the grace of God, I will be alive to complete my full tenure in office,” he said. 

The governor had, on Thursday, arrived in Nigeria after spending three months in Germany on medical vacation to attend to his fragile health. 

Upon his return, Mr Akeredolu convened a meeting with key stakeholders from Ondo state in Ibadan, where he landed after he arrived from Germany. 

Recall that on June 7, Mr Akeredolu announced that he was embarking on a 21-day medical trip in Germany to attend to his health and was expected to resume on July 6, 2023. 

But his prolonged stay abroad caused heavy controversy and political bickering thereby forcing the governor, on July 15, to handover the reign of government to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa in an “acting capacity.”

Speaking while addressing members of the cabinet in Ibadan, Mr Akeredolu announced that he has officially returned to the country from his medical vacation. 

He told the exco members that he had formally presented his letter of resumption to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji and a copy to his deputy, Mr Aiyedatiwa, who was in attendance.

The governor, however, thanked the executive members for their prayers and the good work they had carried out while he was away on medical vacation.

“I want to tell you that I am back, and I will resume work immediately. This is my letter of resumption,” he said. 

He added, “We are now back, and we give God all the glory. I have to let members of the House of Assembly know first that we have returned. 

“As of today, I’m back as Governor of Ondo State. We thank God that I am alive and here. It’s your prayers that have kept us here. The office of the Governor has resumed full work.” 

Mr Akeredolu assured the people of the state of his administration’s unwavering commitment to the progress and development of the state. 

He also appreciated the people of the state for their ceaseless prayers and support during his recovery process. 

Peoples Gazette reports that stakeholders present at the meeting included members of the State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Mr Oladiji; and members of the state executive council, led by the Mr Aiyedatiwa.

Others included; National Assembly members led by Senator Jide Ipinsagba; and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) state working committee, led by the chairman, Ade Adetimehin. 

Others were youth groups, led by the Ondo APC youth leader, Olawande Ayo Wisdom; former local government chairmen, led by Augustine Ogbesetore; and members of the Foundation of Wives of Ondo State Officials (FOWOSO) led by the wife of the Governor, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu.