By Adekola Afolabi & Jimoh Ahmed

|

Excitement and jubilation have continued to greet the safe return of Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, to the country from his medical vacation as well wishers described his return as a prayer answered.

Those who spoke in separate interviews after meeting with the governor at a Stakeholders meeting in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, thanked God for keeping the Governor alive tdespite the rumoured death.

House of Representatives member representing Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, Timehin Adelegbe said “every citizen in Ondo state is very happy to have our father and our Governor back, hale and hearty. We have been praying and we thank God that God answered our prayers over Mr Governor. And now that he is back, the developmental programs will continue in Ondo State and everybody will enjoy it.

“Personally, it means a lot to me because I’m very close to Mr Governor and I represent his constituency in the National Assembly, and so I don’t know how to express my joy. I’m extremely happy that our father and our leader is back hale and hearty”.

Member representing Akoko South West/South East Federal Constituency counterpart, Gboyega Adefarati while commending the people of the state for their sustained prayers for safe return of Governor Akeredolu, also prayed that by the special grace of God the Governor will successfully complete his tenure in sound health.

Ondo State commissioner for Health, Dr Banjo Ajaka said “we thank God and I’m particularly happy that my boss is back with us. We have missed him for some time but we are very happy that he is back with us and we wish him total and complete recovery . We pray that God will grant him the grace to complete all his wonderful jobs he is doing in Ondo state, especially in the area of health”.

Majority leader of the State House of Assembly, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi who represents Owo Constituency 1, observed that Akeredolu’s safe arrival in the country was beyond human’s comprehension amidst rumours of his death. We appreciate the good people of Ondo State for their prayers. We can all see that our Governor is back and fit.

“He has also resumed his duties as Governor of Ondo State, because he has informed the House and we have received his letter of resumption. In fact, it is a thing of joy and we will continue to give God the glory for this”.

Commissioner for Youth and Sports, and former chairman, Ose local government, Dele Ologunloluwa and Adekunle Dennis noted that despite the rumours of his death, God has shown mercy on the governor and put laughter in the mouths of the people of the state.

Chairman, SUBEB , Victor Olabimtan said, “I cannot even measure my happiness, I’m so elated, so happy that the Governor is back. And now that he is back, everything is back. Aketi is a person you will love to see everyday, he is a man of action, he is a man who knows his onions and he is a man who knows what he is doing.

“Aketi is a man who has focus, and now that he is back, focus is back, vision is back and forward movement is back. Now there will be order, things will fall in place and everybody will know what to do.

The Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III thanked God as the Governor returned to the country hale and hearty, from medical leave abroad.

Oba Ogunoye in a statement, signed and released by his Special Assistant Media, Sam Adewale pointed out that, Governor Akeredolu’s return to continue his good work for the people of the state is heartwarming, particularly the people of Owo land.

The monarch stressed that, the people of Owo have been overwhelmed with joy since the news of the return of the hard working Governor filtered into the town.

He thanked all religious groups, different trade and professional groups, individuals, friends, well-wishers in Owo and the State, for their fervent prayers and support for Mr. Governor.

The Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, (JNC), Ondo State, extends its gratitude to the Almighty God for the quick and full recovery of Governor, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.

The union in a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade (Prince) Olapade Ademola Adeniji welcome Akeredolu back to Ondo State, where they said his absence left them in the state of sadness.

They said they are grateful to have him in their midst, and to be able to rely on his wisdom and strength once again.

Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ondo Council expressed gratitude to God for returning the Governor back to the state hale and hearty,

The union according to statement by its president Comrade Bola Taiwo said the prayers of workers and good people of Ondo State have been answered by God.

His words: ” While the governor was away attending to his health, the workers held prayer session for the governor’s quick recovery and we are very grateful to God for answering our prayers”.

”The entire members of NULGE joined the good people of Ondo State to welcome our Workers Friendly Governor back and also expressed our profound gratitude to Almighty God for a divine healing to the People’s Governor.

Comrade Bola Taiwo further noted that the governor’s return has rekindled the hope of the people of the state who are anxiously waiting for the continuity of good governance of Arakunrin Akeredolu administration.

The management and staff of Owena Press Limited, publishers of The Hope were not left out in the praying streak.

On several occasions, the staff on the first day of the three months when the Governor was on medical vacation, the workers raised special prayer points for speedy and full recovery for the Governor whose tenure has brought tremendous progress to the company.