“I Cannot Be Forced To Resign From Office” – Ondo Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, says there are plans to force him to resign from office.

Already, a letter of resignation, purportedly signed by him is reportedly circulating in the social media.

Signs that the relationship between the Deputy governor and his Principal, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is no more cordial emerged last week when the Governor returned from medical leave abroad.

Few days after his return, Akeredolu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, announced the withdrawal of the Media team attached to the Deputy Governor’s office.

Also in his appreciation message to Nigerians, the name of the Deputy Governor was conspicuously missing, while the Governor thanked other members of the State Executive Council.

At a function in Akure on Friday, the Governor was represented by his Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Aragbaiye, despite the fact that the Deputy Governor was not engaged anywhere.

A statement on Friday signed by the Deputy Governor reads “My attention has been drawn to a rumour of a purported pre-signed resignation letter, signed by me, being circulated in the public domain.

“I wish to state that I, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State have not, do not intend and will not sign/author any letter resigning my position as the duly elected Deputy Governor in a joint ticket with my principal the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON

“I took an oath the day I was sworn in along with Mr. Governor on February 24th, 2021 to protect the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on a four (4) year mandate which terminates in February 23rd, 2025.

“I remain loyal to my Principal and stand by the oath took with the Bible to run the full cycle of the four year tenure with Mr. Governor.

“To this end I urge the people of Ondo State, the State Assembly and the general public to disregard such letter now and in the future.”