The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) which is currently taking its toll on the world, has refused to let down its stronghold on the corridors of power as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has tested positive for coronavirus. READ ALSO: Federal Government Confirms Second COVID-19 Death
Governor Makinde made this public via his Twitter handle on Monday, with friends, residents of the state and colleagues of the governor wishing him a speedy recovery.
He said: “I just received my COVID-19 confirmation test result. It is positive. I am asymptomatic and will continue to self-isolate.”
Urging residents to comply with laid down directives aimed at curbing coronavirus in the state, Governor Makinde stated that his deputy, Prof Temitope Alonge, would take over as the head of Oyo COVID-19 Task Force.
He continued: “I have designated Prof. Temitope Alonge, former Chief Medical Director of the University College, Ibadan, as the Head of COVID-19 Task Force while I recover fully.
“Please, continue to comply with all the directives from the COVID-19 Task Force. Stay home, stay safe,” he added.
Governor Makinde is the third known governor to have tested positive for the disease, after Bala Mohammed and Nasir El-Rufai of Bauchi and Kaduna States respectively, recently tested positive for the virus.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, barely 24 hours before the governor tested positive, announced four new confirmed cases in Oyo.
Among the cases are the Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo; Provost and Deputy Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, professors Ezekiel Olapade-Olaopa and Obafunke Denloye, respectively.
According to reports Oyo State, as of Sunday, following NCDC update, had recorded seven confirmed COVID-19 cases.
As part of moves to contain the spread of the pandemic, the governor had imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the state and suspended inter-state transportation into and out of the state.