Ondo 2024: Akeredolu didn’t anoint you as his successor, spokesperson tells Aiyedatiwa

The former spokesperson to late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Mr Richard Olatunde, on Wednesday, debunked that his late principal endorsed Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as his preferred candidate to succeed him before he died on his medical trip to Germany.

Olatunde who stated this in statement signed by him, while reacting to a statement created to Aiyedatiwa that the late Governor endorsed him as his successor, said there was never a time the late governor anointed Aiyedatiwa.

The former Chief Press Secretary of the late Akeredolu, however, warned Governor Aiyedatiwa, against exploiting the deceased governor’s name for political gains.

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

Olatunde in the statement stated:” 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”.

Olatunde said; “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.

“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”.