Rotimi Akeredolu, Ondo state governor, has forwarded a letter of extension of his medical leave to the state house of assembly.

Akeredolu embarked on a 21-day leave on June 7 and was expected to return on July 6.

The Ondo house of assembly received a letter to the effect from the governor.

In the letter, Akeredolu had directed Lucky Aiyedatiwa, his deputy, to act in his stead.

However, the governor is yet to return to the country despite the expiration of the medical leave.

On Thursday, Akeredolu assured residents of the state that he was on the path to recovery and would soon return to office.

“Your unwavering support and genuine affection have sustained my determination to renew vigour and, most importantly, to continue serving you, the good people of Ondo state,” the governor had said.

On Monday, Olamide Oladiji, speaker of the Ondo assembly, announced the receipt of the letter indicating an extension of the leave.

He said the governor is “following the doctor’s advice on the need to take adequate rest after recuperating”.

The speaker said the deputy governor would continue to act as governor “until there is a written declaration to the contrary”.

He expressed optimism that Akeredolu would soon resume his duty.