Akeredolu Didn’t Anoint Aiyedatiwa as Successor, Late Governor’s Spokesperson Says

Richard Olatunde, the former Chief Press Secretary to the late Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on Wednesday warned Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to stop exploiting the deceased governor’s name for political gain.

Olatunde emphasised that both Akeredolu’s family and his ardent supporters across the state strongly object to Governor Aiyedatiwa’s deceptive tactics.

The former spokesperson was reacting to Governor Aiyedatiwa’s claim that the late Governor desired that he succeeded him as Governor.

In his reaction Olatunde stated that the narrative regarding the alleged wish of Akeredolu, for Governor Aiyedatiwa to succeed him has gone too far to be disregarded.

According to him, “This narrative began even before our leader was laid to rest. Out of respect and utmost reverence for our late Governor, we chose not to engage with those spreading this narrative. 

“While we acknowledge that the political atmosphere in the state is intensifying, we want to unequivocally state that the late Governor did not anoint or express a desire for Aiyedatiwa to succeed him. On the contrary, the relationship between the late Governor and Governor Aiyedatiwa became strained and distant until his passing.

“Despite attending to official matters and meeting people from Akure, the late Governor intentionally kept Mr. Aiyedatiwa, who was the deputy governor at the time, away from him in Ibadan. Our late Governor was deeply disappointed and regretful of certain behaviours and character traits displayed by Mr. Aiyedatiwa during his health challenges, which ultimately led to his passing.

“We have also observed the circulation of a video recorded during the swearing-in ceremony of the late Governor and Mr. Aiyedatiwa as Governor and deputy governor, respectively. Undoubtedly, our late Governor had high hopes for Mr. Aiyedatiwa. The late Akeredolu never concealed his intentions.

“One thing that discerning minds can clearly see is the turn of events in the latter half of last year. Trust was betrayed. Confidence was shattered. And the true colours of desperation overshadowed the good intentions of our late Governor. What followed was a tale of disappointment and betrayal. Our late leader, to say the least, was heartbroken before his demise.

He therefore, caution Mr. Aiyedatiwa to cease from deceptive tactics and focus on his campaign. 

“Akeredolu’s ardent followers, including members of his family, do not support Mr. Aiyedatiwa’s aspiration to clinch the ticket of the party.”

Recall that Governor Aiyedatiwa while speaking yesterday at his official declaration to contest the governorship race said: “He (Akeredolu) chose me as the deputy governorship candidate to contest the 2020 governorship election, and we won. We won because he was a good man, loved and respected by the people. His yes was his yes, his no was his no. He did not pretend nor played to the gallery. He did not like hypocrisy, sycophancy and backbiting.

“He stood for merit and candour. He loved the State and its people. He picked me as Deputy Governor not just because he loved me but because he had a vision for the young to grow. He wanted integrity, humility, confidence and loyalty to be the character of government. He made no pretence of his plan and desire for succession.

He was deliberate and prophetic. He said it during our inauguration and repeatedly that “Lucky will succeed me. Lucky will carry on the work after me”. At not one, not two nor three sessions of the Cabinet meetings had he pronounced Lucky as his desired choice to carry the flag after him.” 

“He was a man of vision. We will not let him down. We will not waiver. We will not falter. We will succeed. Support me to carry on the work. Work with me to bring the desired goal”, the Governor said.

Fidelis David in Akure 

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