Richard Olatunde, who used to be the Chief Press Secretary to the late Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has stated that the late governor did not want Lucky Aiyedatiwa to take over his position.
Olatunde expressed his stance in a statement provided to journalists on Tuesday.
He was responding to Aiyedatiwa’s assertion that the late governor wanted him to succeed as governor.
In February, Aiyedatiwa declared that he was part of the legacies of his predecessor, and mentioned that the latter had hoped for him (Aiyedatiwa) to be the next governor.
He also mentioned that it would have been a proud moment for the deceased leader if he was alive to see him become the next governor of the state. proud moment for the deceased leader if he was alive.
But in his response on Tuesday, Olatunde mentioned that contrary to Aiyedatiwa’s claim, the late governor did not want him to succeed him.
He cautioned Aiyedatiwa to refrain from using the deceased governor’s name for political advantage.
He stated, “This story about the supposed wish of our late leader and father figure, late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, for Governor Aiyedatiwa to succeed him has gone too far to be ignored.
“This story started even before our leader was buried. 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 appoint 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 behaviors 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 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 stop these deceitful tactics and concentrate on his campaign. Akeredolu’s devoted followers, including members of his family, do not support Mr. Aiyedatiwa’s aspiration to clinch the ticket of the party.”
