Index to Nigerian Newspapers

Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has received a goodwill visit from four of his Southwest colleagues, who discussed security and peace in the geo-political zone. The visit was at the request of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had expressed concern over the reports on Akeredolu's health. Akeredolu's first public appearance since his return from medical leave in Germany on September 7 was attended by the governors, Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo). The governor thanked his colleagues for their solidarity and spoke on the continuous collaboration and sustenance of regional brotherhood among Southwest states. In the last two weeks, protests in Akure have been held by some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters, seeking the governor's whereabouts and insinuations that Akeredolu had become incapacitated. The rift between his deputy, Lucky Ayedatiwa, and the House of Assembly over allegations of gross misconduct deepened in Akeredolu's absence. Ayedatiwa urged the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusola Odusola, to ignore the request of the lawmakers for the setting up of a seven-man panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against him. A group of lawyers of Ondo State origin, who are against Aiyedatiwa's impeachment, asked Akeredoku to declare his health status and organize a press conference to declare his fitness.