A Former Chief Press secretary to the Government of Ondo state disclosed the wishes of the late Governor of the state Oluwarotimi Akeredolu not for Ayedatiwa to succeed him as the governor of the state.
As a result of a statement made known to the media on Tuesday, Richard- Olatunde the former press secretary gives his opinions in response to the claim of the current governor, that the deceased governor desired him as the next governor of the state.
Recall, Aiyedatiwa in February asserted that he was instrumental and part of the legacies of this late governor, adding that the latter had wished him (Aiyedatiwa) to succeed him as the governor.
He added that seeing him become the next governor of the state would have been a proud moment for the deceased leader if he was alive.
However, the governor’s position was denied by the former Press Secretary Richard Olatunde on Tuesday saying that contrary to Aiyedatiwa’s claim, the late governor never wished to be succeeded by him.
He warned Aiyedatiwa to desist in exploiting the deceased governor’s name for political gain.
The former Press Sectary maintained the alleged wishes narrative as gone too far to be disregarded from different positions and called on Aiyedatiwa to stop framing the late leader and father figure.
“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.
Olatunde retreats that during the period the late Governor was away in Ibadan Aiyedatiwa who was then the deputy Governor was kept away from the Governor at the time.
“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.
He concluded by expressing his displeasure in trust that was betrayed by the current Governor in a clear turn of events for half of 2023 and displaying true colors of desperation overshadowed the good intentions of our late governor
“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.
