Gov Akeredolu Hits Deputy, Dismantles Press Crew

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, seems set to hit back at his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, over allegation of disloyalty while he was away on medical leave.

Aiyedatiwa has been accused of attempting to re- set some of the laid down policies of the Governor while away, causing serious division within the State Executive Council.

Some personal aides of the Governor took sides with the Deputy and had already shared positions if eventually Akeredolu did not return, while others that stood by the Governor blocked attempts by the Deputy’s loyalists to hijack governance.

Aiyedatiwa, Tuesday had issued a statement blaming some enemies to be responsible for the strained relationship with the Governor.

The first response by Akeredolu on Tuesday was to dismantle the Media Crew attached to the Deputy Governor’s office.

A statement by Richard Olatunde, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor reads, “All Media Aides appointed by the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, and seconded to the office of the deputy Governor, have been relieved of their appointments with immediate effect.

“The affected aides include: Press Secretary to the Governor, Kenneth Odusola; Special Assistant to Governor (New Media) Okunniga Oladipupo; and Special Assistant to the Governor (Photography) Abayomi Samson Adefolalu.

“They are to submit all Government properties in their possession to the Acting Permanent Secretary, Office of the deputy Governor.

“Similarly, the Press Crew attached to the office of the Deputy Governor has been disbanded.

“Consequently, all members of the Press Crew are to report back to their various Ministries and Stations.

“Equally, the Ministry of Information and Orientation is directed to provide adequate coverage for the activities of the Deputy Governor’s Office henceforth.”