Akeredolu wanted me to succeed him as Ondo governor; we had smooth relationship: Aiyedatiwa

Mr Aiyedatiwa said the relationship between him and Mr Akeredolu was cordial even before he died despite insinuations by his political opponents.

Tosin Ajuwon • February 15, 2024

Rotimi Akeredolu and Lucky Aiyedatiwa

On Thursday, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa stated that his former boss, Rotimi Akeredolu, had desired him to take over as governor.

At a meeting with media executives in Akure, Mr Aiyedatiwa said Mr Akeredolu would have been proud of him as a worthy successor.

‘It had been his (Akeredolu) desire that I succeed him as his successor, but not like this way it happened. I’m proud to say I am a part of Akeredolu legacies,” said Mr Aiyedatiwa.

Mr Akeredolu died last year on December 27 inside a German hospital after battling with protracted prostrates cancer.

Before his death, it was believed that the relationship between the late former governor and Mr Aiyedatiwa was frosty. The development nearly caused him an impeachment from the office as the then deputy governor.

However, Mr Aiyedatiwa said he wished Mr Akeredolu was alive to see him become the state governor.

“I would have preferred he stayed and watched me govern the state. I know he will be proud of me. I trained under Akeredolu.

“He was a man who said his mind and thought, especially the way it is, without minding his pursuit. When he speaks, the nation will be at attention. So, we imbibe his qualities on governance,” Mr Aiyedatiwa added.

Mr Aiyedatiwa said the relationship between him and Mr Akeredolu was cordial even before he died despite insinuations by his political opponents.

“His (Akeredolu) legacies are there. I’m proud to be one of his legacies. He produces the first governor, even in his death. It had always been his wish to produce the first Ilaje governor.

“We both had a smooth relationship before he died, contrary to what people were saying. Even till the point of his death, we were very close,” he said.

While stressing that he is prepared to ensure real governance in the state, Mr Aiyedatiwa hinted that he will soon reveal the truth about the recent political crisis orchestrated by some political actors.

The governor, however, tasked journalists to remain unbiased in their reportage, noting that his government would be open to public scrutiny.

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