Adeyemi Abdulkareem
Honorable Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, has detailed how he avoided an attempted sabotage by his adversaries during Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s absence on a medical leave in Germany.
Governor Akeredolu was away for three months to address his health concerns, recently returning to his official duties. Prior to his departure, he officially delegated his powers to his deputy, who acted as the Acting Governor.
In a statement released in Akure and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson, Aiyedatiwa revealed that his detractors have been spreading false information to tarnish his reputation since the governor’s return.
He emphasized that these falsehoods, while repetitive, should not be ignored, as it is essential to prevent the public from being misled by baseless accusations intended to harm his image.
The statement read, “We must remind the public that this is a continuation of the smear campaign initiated by the same individuals a few months ago, with untrue stories planted in various media outlets against the Deputy Governor.
“However, as those lies failed to achieve their intended outcome, the propagators have now resorted to false stories of disloyalty, with the aim of sowing discord between him and the Governor.
“These anonymous individuals, who have concealed their identities because they are disseminating pure fabrications, are backed by those who perceive the Deputy Governor as a threat due to his relationship with his boss and the support he enjoys from the people.
“Numerous stakeholders have commended the Deputy Governor for his capable handling of state affairs while serving as Acting Governor, despite the efforts of his detractors.
“He skillfully evaded their traps, and they ended up causing their own downfall. Contrary to their expectations, the Deputy Governor maintained constant communication with his principal on official state matters, ensuring there was no gap between them.
“How can someone who was in constant contact with his boss and had prepared for his return to address various critical state matters, including the signing of the LCDA Law following its passage by the State Assembly, be surprised by the governor’s return?
“Those behind these false narratives aimed to provoke Mr. Governor and his family with fabricated claims of disloyalty and impeachment, hoping to deal a crippling blow to the Deputy Governor ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election in the state.
“Now that Governor Akeredolu is back and actively working, the Deputy Governor remains composed and dedicated to his official duties, unfazed by the falsehoods spread by desperate politicians and their agents.
The statement concluded, “The Deputy Governor’s loyalty to his Principal remains unwavering, and no amount of unfounded lies will change that.”
