Rather than thaw, the crisis between loyalists of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State and the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has deepened.
In a letter dated December 7, 2023, Ondo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Rasaq Obe, confirmed the forgery of Akeredolu’s signature for ulterior motives.
Obe, an engineer and an indigene of Ifedore Local Government in the Sunshine State, in the letter written to Aiyedatiwa, said a memo he sent to Akeredolu about two months ago was returned through the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Princess Oladunni Odu (Okitipupa Local Government) and noticed that the signature on the memo does not look like that of Akeredolu.
Obe declared: “The irregularities in the signature were first observed when a file from my ministry was returned through the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
“This is the only file that has been returned so far out of the five files that were sent for Mr. Governor’s approval about two months ago.
“Upon closer inspection, I noticed significant differences between the suspicious signature and handwriting and Mr. Governor’s known signatures and handwriting in the file.
“Concerned about the gravity of the situation, I decided to seek a forensic review before disclosing my discovery. I sent the suspicious signature, handwriting samples, and copies of the old regular signatures to forensic experts, who have now confirmed that the suspicious signature and handwriting were indeed forged.
“Despite the inherent risks involved, I have chosen to fulfill the obligations of my office by reporting this alarming development to you as the highest-ranking member of the State Executive Council after Mr. Governor. I firmly believe that this is the course of action our esteemed leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, would take in such a situation.
“Considering the possibility that such forgery may be widespread, this heads-up is of utmost importance to the government and people of Ondo State. I have attached a copy of the forensic report and relevant pages from the file for your reference.
“I urge you to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves and take appropriate actions to address the situation. We must restore the integrity of our processes and ensure that such a disturbing development is swiftly punctuated.”
Since he returned from a medical leave in Germany, Akeredolu has not been seen in public for months.
It is believed he is recuperating in his Ibadan, Oyo State residence.
Due to his absence, some forces interested in the governorship election in 2024 have been battling Aiyedatiwa.
Some of them are Commissioners in the Exco. One of the Senators from the 47-year-old state is also believed to be strategising to succeed Akeredolu next year.
