Akeredolu, who was 67 years old, had been battling health challenges for months, amid rumours of his demise and political intrigues. Here is a timeline of the events that marked his final days:
– June 7, 2023: Akeredolu embarked on a 21-day medical leave, citing the need to undergo routine check-ups and rest. He wrote to the state House of Assembly, informing them of his absence and delegating some of his powers to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
– June 30, 2023: Akeredolu announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus. He said he was asymptomatic and had gone into self-isolation. He urged the people of the state to adhere to the preventive measures against the virus.
– July 6, 2023: Akeredolu was expected to resume his duties after his medical leave, but he did not return to the state. His spokesman, Segun Ajiboye, said the governor was still in Abuja, receiving treatment for COVID-19. He dismissed the rumours that Akeredolu had died or was incapacitated.
– July 13, 2023: Akeredolu’s wife, Betty, accused a woman named Olubunmi Ademosu of poisoning her husband and plotting to take over his position. She made the allegation in a voice note that went viral on social media. She claimed that Ademosu, who was a former commissioner and a close associate of Akeredolu, had been having an affair with him and had given him a substance that made him sick. She also alleged that Ademosu had the backing of some powerful politicians in the state and at the federal level, who wanted to remove Akeredolu from office. Ademosu denied the allegations and threatened to sue Betty for defamation. READ MORE
