Former political aides to the late Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, have hurriedly tendered their resignation letters, citing their loyalty to him as reason.
They include a commissioner, Special Advisers, and Assistants appointment by the late Governor Akeredolu.
This is coming as the new governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa took charge of the affairs of the state after being sworn in as the seventh civilian governor of the state on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, by the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola.
The aides hinged their decision to resign on the demise of their benefactor, the late Governor Akeredolu.
But other findings revealed that the fear of being dropped by the new governor was the reason behind their actions.
A reliable source disclosed that “those throwing in the towel, were just being clever by half. They knew the parts they played during the crisis.”
“They’re only afraid of what’s to come. They knew that the new governor would soon reshuffle the cabinet, hence they threw in the towel.”
“They were just being jittery. They don’t want to be disgraced by being dropped by the governor ahead of changes that would eventually come.”
“So they played a fast one by resigning even on the exact day the new governor was sworn in.
“It was pre-planned. It’s like they wrote the letters before the death of Governor Akeredolu and when it happened, they just signed it and inserted the dates.
“They are being hunted by their past. They didn’t support the new governor becoming the acting governor not to talk of becoming the substantive governor.
“Now that God has vindicated Aiyedatiwa and he has been elevated, they can’t stand working under him.
Why we resigned – sources
However, one of those who resigned revealed that they had no choice but to resign because of their loyalty to the late governor Akeredolu.
According to him” Nobody should expect us to have a divided loyalty. Our loyalty is to Akeredolu even until death.
“There’s no doubt even if the new governor don’t victimise us, his supporters would victimise us if we remain in government.
“I think the best thing to do in such a situation is to resign and allow the new governor to empower those he used to discredit the late governor when he was still alive. They’re his foot soldiers. Let’s see how far they can go.
“We’ve no apology for being loyal to Governor Akeredolu, he was our benefactor and he remains.
“I think the new governor should get down to serious business and shut his door to all those sycophants milling around him looking for patronage.
We’re loyal even in death- Appointees
Meanwhile, those who resigned include the infrastructure, lands and Housing commissioner, Raimi Aminu, the Special Adviser to Akeredolu on Union Matters, Mr Dare Aragbaye, Chief Press Secretary to the late governor, Mr Richard Olatunde, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties and Strategy, the Special Assistant to the governor on photography, Olawale Abolade
Aragbaye said “I write to refer to the subject above and to resign my appointment as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties with effect from today, Wednesday, 27 December, 2023
“My decision to resign is based on the unfortunate death of my Principal a fearless and honest leader, Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN CON, whom I am loyal to even in death
“I sincerely thank his excellency for the opportunity granted me to serve in his administration as a member of the State Executive Council first as a Head of Service and now as Special Adviser”
Also, the infrastructure lands and Housing commissioner, Raimi Aminu, said that his” decision is anchored on my conscience, as my leader and dear boss, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, joined the Saint Triumphant.
“I sincerely thank our dear Arakunrin and the good people of the State for the opportunity to serve in his cabinet as Senior Special Assistant on Lands and Infrastructure, Special Adviser on Lands, Works and Infrastructure and Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing.
Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties and Strategy, Dr Odebowale, thanked the state for the “rare opportunity for service.”
On his part, the Special Assistant to the late governor on photography, Olawale Abolade, said that his decision was ” based on the unfortunate death of my principal, a courageous and honest leader, Rotimi Akeredolu.
The atmosphere at the governor’s office remained pensive as many of the workers didn’t show up following Akeredolu’s death.
Source: Vanguard
