Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Ondo State Acting Governor, has frozen the accounts of the 18 local government areas and 33 local council development areas, LCDAs.
According to reports, the acting governor also asked the newly created LCDA not to open new accounts.
A letter to the local councils reads: “Distinguished HOLGAs, Your Excellency, the Acting Governor of Ondo State had directed that all spending/ expenditure from local government account should be suspended—no signing of cheques, no change of signatories, no withdrawal of any sort until further directive.
“Please adhere strictly to instruction and be guided.”
Meanwhile, the acting governor has also said that his Deputy Chief of Staff, Omojuwa Olusegun, will be responsible for preparing and signing his official engagements for the time being.
A letter signed by Omojuwa and addressed to members of the State Executive Council and top government functionaries reads, “The Acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has directed me to inform all members of the State Executive Council and Top Government Functionaries that the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor would be responsible for the preparation and signing of his official engagements for the time being.
“The Chief of Protocol would take charge of this responsibility as soon as Mr. Governor resumes from his medical vacation.”
The Informant247 had earlier reported how the Ondo State Governor Olurotimi Akeredolu, last Tuesday, proceeded on a fresh medical leave outside the state while officially handed over the affairs of government to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa to take over power in an “acting capacity” while he was away on a medical trip.
Akeredolu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, the ailing Ondo governor said a letter regarding his medical leave and a notice formally transferring power to Aiyedatiwa in line with the constitution would be transmitted to the State House of Assembly, adding that the medical vacation would start by Wednesday (December 13, 2023) in continuation of his medical treatment.
“Ondo State Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, will commence his medical leave on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, as a follow-up to his medical treatment.
“During his medical leave, Governor Akeredolu will prioritise his health and ensure a full recovery before resuming his official duties.
“A formal letter regarding the medical leave and a notice formally transferring power in line with the Nigerian Constitution will be transmitted to the House of Assembly.
“In the absence of Governor Akeredolu, the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, will assume the responsibilities of the Governor in an acting capacity.
“Governor Akeredolu expresses his gratitude for the unwavering support and affection of the people of Ondo State. He assures them that his administration remains committed to the path of progress and prosperity for the people.
“As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a widely respected Nigerian, Governor Akeredolu has consistently delegated power to his deputy during his annual vacations. This practice was observed on April 1, 2021, April 1, 2022, April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023, when he embarked on previous vacations,” the statement read.
The development came after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the second time within a month, summoned all the political actors in the state to a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.