In a show of support, 33 out of 35 members of the Ondo State Executive Council have passed a vote of confidence in Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. The governor is currently recuperating in his private residence in Ibadan after returning from a medical vacation in Germany.
The statement, titled “We stand by our courageous principal and mentor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON. Governor, Ondo State,” was signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Oladunni Odu, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Olugbenga Ale, commissioners, the Head of Service, Mr. Kayode Ogundele, and special advisers.
The cabinet members commended Governor Akeredolu for his leadership and the progress achieved under his administration, particularly in the areas of security, healthcare delivery, agriculture, and road infrastructure. They affirmed that the Akeredolu administration had positively impacted the lives of the people of Ondo State.
However, two cabinet members, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Razak Obe, and the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services, Mr. Akin Sowore, did not sign the statement. They explained that they were not involved in the drafting or signing process and were not in the state at the time.
Sowore further stated that he did not believe in signing any document to pass a vote of confidence in the governor, as it was not within the power of the cabinet members to remove or retain the governor. He also expressed concern about the lack of executive meetings and the governor’s prolonged absence from the state.
The governor’s prolonged absence has drawn criticism from the opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, which has called for his resignation. The party contends that the governor’s health condition is affecting his ability to effectively govern the state.
Despite these calls, the cabinet members’ vote of confidence signals their continued support for Governor Akeredolu and his leadership. The situation highlights the challenges faced by political leaders in balancing their health and personal well-being with the demands of public office.
