Former Chief Press Secretary to the late Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Richard Olatunde, criticized the current Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for his recent statement about succeeding his former boss.
Olatunde accused Aiyedatiwa of being dishonest by claiming that Akeredolu wanted him to take over, pointing out that their relationship was not smooth until Akeredolu’s passing.
Olatunde made these remarks in a statement released to journalists on Tuesday.
Earlier in February, Aiyedatiwa stated that he was part of Akeredolu’s legacy and that Akeredolu had expressed a desire for him to become the next governor. He believed Akeredolu would have been proud to see him succeed if he were still alive.
In contrast, Olatunde accused Aiyedatiwa of using politics and advised him to refrain from exploiting the late Governor’s name for personal gain.
This narrative regarding the alleged wish of our late leader and father figure, late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, for Governor Aiyedatiwa to succeed him has gone too far to be disregarded.
“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,” The PUNCH quoted Olatunde saying.
The statement reads further: “Despite attending to official matters and meeting people from Akure, the late Governor intentionally kept 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.
“We, therefore, caution Mr. Aiyedatiwa to cease these 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.”
