Ondo deputy governor denies rift with Akeredolu

Ondo State Deputy Governor, Hon Agboola Ajayi, has said that there was no rift between him and his boss, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, over the 2020 governorship election in the state.

Ajayi who made this clarification in Apoi in Eseodo Local Government Area of the state at the weekend, attributed the rumours making round to political jobbers who are seeking patronage from government.

Ajayi described the news of the reported rift as “fake” and said the rumour was designed to cause a crisis in the state executive council in order to reap political benefits ahead of next year’s governorship election.

Speaking during a Praise Night organised by the people of Apoi, the Deputy governor urged the people not to express any fear or worry themselves about the rumour that he was fighting the governor.

Ajayi said: “I rejoice with the entire Apoi kingdom on this occasion of Praise Night. You must have been hearing one or two comments here and there about a conflict between me and the governor. Don’t worry about yourself. It is a normal thing in politics.

ALSO READ: 183 Kano CSOs dissociate self from call for Emir Sanusi’s dethronement

“The governor and I are doing very well. We are brothers and we are working together for the progress of Ondo State.

“I commend the Kalasuwe of Apoiland for this initiative. I pray it continues every year.”

Ajayi said the governor expressed his greetings to the people of Apoi and wished them Merry Christmas and New Year and be mindful of job seekers whose stock in trade is cheap blackmail and political propaganda.

He admonished the people to pray for the governor, who is their kinsman; since his mother is from the kingdom, the government and the monarchs leading the people.

The Kalasuwe of Apoiland, Prof Sunday Amuseghan, in his speech said the Praise Night is to appreciate God for His protection over the kingdom

The monarch prayed for unity in the government, urging the present administration to continue with its developmental projects in the state, to ensure victory in the next year’s election without rancour.

There have been insinuations in some quarters that Ajayi has fallen out with Governor Akeredolu over the reelection bid of the governor.

It was also rumoured that Ajayi would dump the All Progressives Congress(APC) in order to contest the governorship election or would contest the party’s ticket with the governor.