Richard Olatunde, former Chief Press Secretary to the late Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has stated the late Governor by no means wished for the present Governor, Fortunate Aiyedatiwa, to succeed him.
Olatunde made his place identified in a press release made out there to journalists on Tuesday.
He was reacting to Aiyedatiwa's declare that the late governor wished him to succeed him as governor.
In February, Aiyedatiwa claimed that he was a part of his predecessor's legacy, including that the latter had wished him (Aiyedatiwa) to succeed him as governor.
He added that seeing him turn out to be the subsequent governor of the state would have been a proud second for the late chief if he have been alive.
However in his response on Tuesday, Olatunde said that opposite to Aiyedatiwa's claims, the late governor by no means wished to be succeeded by him.
He warned Aiyedatiwa to cease exploiting the identify of the late governor for political achieve.
He stated: “This story in regards to the alleged want of our late chief and father determine, the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, for Governor Aiyedatiwa to succeed him has gone too far to be ignored.
'This story began earlier than our chief was laid to relaxation. Out of respect and utmost respect for our late governor, now we have chosen to not have interaction with these spreading this story.
“Whereas we acknowledge that the political environment is intensifying within the state, we want to state unequivocally that the late Governor didn’t anoint Aiyedatiwa or specific any want to succeed him. Quite the opposite, the connection between the late governor and Governor Aiyedatiwa grew to become tense and distant till his dying.
“Regardless of attending official enterprise and assembly individuals from Akure, the late governor intentionally saved Mr Aiyedatiwa, who was the Deputy Governor on the time, away from him in Ibadan.
“Our late governor was deeply dissatisfied and regretted sure behaviors and character traits exhibited by Mr. Aiyedatiwa throughout his well being challenges, which finally led to his dying.
“Now we have additionally seen the circulation of a video recorded through the swearing-in ceremony of the late Governor and Mr Aiyedatiwa as Governor and Deputy Governor respectively. Our late Governor undoubtedly had excessive expectations from Mr. Aiyedatiwa. The late Akeredolu by no means hid his intentions.
“One factor that vital minds can see clearly is the flip of occasions within the second half of final 12 months. Belief was betrayed. Belief was damaged. And the true colours of despair overshadowed the nice intentions of our late governor. What adopted was a narrative of disappointment and betrayal. Our late chief was heartbroken to say the least earlier than his passing.
“We subsequently warn Mr Aiyedatiwa to cease these deceptive ways and concentrate on his marketing campaign. Akeredolu's ardent followers, together with members of his household, should not supporting Mr Aiyedatiwa's bid to get the get together ticket.
