“Former Spokesperson Denies Aiyedatiwa as Akeredolu’s Successor”

By Milcah Tanimu

Richard Olatunde, the former chief press secretary of the late Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has cautioned Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa against exploiting the late governor’s name for political purposes.

Olatunde’s remarks came in response to Governor Aiyedatiwa’s assertion that the late governor wished for him to succeed him.

According to Olatunde, Akeredolu’s family and loyal supporters across the state strongly oppose Governor Aiyedatiwa’s misleading claims.

He stated, “The narrative surrounding the alleged desire of our late leader, late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, for Governor Aiyedatiwa to take over has been propagated extensively and cannot be ignored.

“This narrative emerged even before our leader’s burial. Out of respect for our late Governor, we refrained from engaging with those spreading this narrative.

“While we acknowledge the heightened political environment in the state, we want to make it clear that the late Governor did not designate or express a wish for Aiyedatiwa to succeed him. On the contrary, the relationship between the late Governor and Governor Aiyedatiwa deteriorated until his passing.

“Despite handling official matters and meeting with people from Akure, the late Governor deliberately kept Mr. Aiyedatiwa, who was the deputy governor at the time, at a distance from him in Ibadan.

“Our late Governor was deeply disappointed and regretful of certain behaviors and character traits displayed by Mr. Aiyedatiwa during his health challenges, which ultimately led to his passing.

“We have also noted 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 colors 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 staunch supporters, including members of his family, do not endorse Mr. Aiyedatiwa’s bid to secure the party’s ticket.”