Olusola Oke, a former governorship candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in Ondo State, has condemned the spreading of rumors suggesting that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has passed away. Oke labeled those behind the false information as wicked, affirming that the governor is steadily recovering and responding well to treatment.

Speculation about Governor Akeredolu’s health has circulated over the past few months, generating uncertainty among the public. Recently, the Ondo State House of Assembly received a medical leave letter from the governor, clarifying his absence.

According to the letter, Governor Akeredolu embarked on a 21-day medical leave outside Nigeria, starting from June 7, 2023, and expected to conclude on July 6, 2023. During his absence, he appointed Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the deputy governor, to act on his behalf.

Reacting to these developments, Olusola Oke expressed his disapproval of the unfounded death rumors, claiming that they aim to instill fear and apprehension within the state. He called out the spreaders of fake news, emphasizing the need for responsible and accurate information during times of uncertainty.

“As mortals, we can fall ill. The governor, like any human being, can fall ill. When illness comes, we seek medical treatment and take deserving rest. This the governor has done and is rapidly responding to treatment,” the statement reads.

“Spreading serial orchestrated rumour through cloned media platforms to harass his family, admirers and the good people of Ondo state of his death is not only ungodly, it reveals the toxic of wickedness and inhumanity in the minds and hearts of those behind the rumour mill.

“It is now realised that these deliberate cartels of rumour peddlers have made it a habitual trade to raise false alarm about the death of the governor to cause panic, apprehension and tension in the state and beyond.

“Thank God, instead of morbid panic, the people of the state have responded with prayers and empathy. Daily, they pray for the governor and God, the giver of life, has indeed stood by him, his family and his well-wishers.

“For those who took pleasure in the pains of others by deliberately manufacturing rumours of the death of others, let me remind them that God has recompense for those who assume his position. Life belongs to him and him only.”

As Governor Akeredolu continues his medical leave, the public is urged to remain vigilant and rely on verified sources to obtain reliable updates on his health condition.