Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the acting governor of Ondo State, has temporarily suspended Bola Alabi, the head of protocol to the sick Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
This came after the House of Assembly declared Mr Aiyedatiwa as the state’s acting governor, following a new medical vacation taken by Mr Akeredolu, who had been suffering an underlying health issue for more than a year.
Mr Aiyedatiwa replaced Mr Alabi with the deputy head of protocol, Olusegun Omojuwa, in a circular released over the weekend in Akure, the state capital. He will be in charge of all government involvement in all departments and agencies until the governor returns.
‘Preparation of the acting governor’s engagements,’ read the circular.
Mr Alabi will resume his duties when the governor returns from his medical leave in Germany, according to the circular.
“The acting Governor of Ondo State, Hon. 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 will be responsible for the preparation and signing of his official engagements for the time being.
“The Chief of Protocol (Mr Bola Alabi) will take charge of this responsibility as soon as Mr Governor resumes from his medical vacation.
“Kindly take note for your guidance and co-operation from time to time,” the circular read.
Earlier, before Mr Aiyedatiwa assumed office in an acting capacity, there had been pressure on Mr Akeredolu to resign from office due to his ill health.
The governor’s long absence from the state had led to a political quagmire as cabinet members fought dirty to gain control of power.