Why I Apologised To Governor Akeredolu – Deputy Governor, Aiyedatiwa Speaks

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Ondo State Deputy Governor, has explained that he tendered unreserved apology to his boss, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, due “to the embarrassment the political chaos of these past months has caused him and the good people of Ondo State.”

He said political contenders preparing for next year’s governorship election had exploited the situation in the state.

He said Ondo State had witnessed series of events triggered by the health challenges faced by the governor, which he noted gave rise to assumption, falsehood, insinuation, misunderstanding, misconception and exploitation by political contenders preparing for the 2024 governorship election.

Addressing reporters at his Alagbaka office, the deputy governor said he was saddened by the embarrassment and discomfort Governor Akeredolu faced due to the barrage of negative news in the state as a result of the events of the last few months.

He said he had only met Governor Akeredolu twice since his (Akeredolu’s) return to the country and had not had the opportunity to state his own side of the story or properly brief the governor on his stewardship as acting governor.

Speaking about the lessons to be learnt from the crisis, Aiyedatiwa said he learnt that loyalty pays.

He said there could be misconceptions while working in a setting.

“You should remain stable. Irrespective of whatever is said, truth will prevail when you remain stable, committed and loyal. Loyalty pays.

“I tendered this unreserved apology because of the embarrassment and discomfort the governor faces. The event has brought all kinds of negative news. He deserves unreserved apology. I am at the centre. That is exactly what I am tendering this apology for.

According to him, “we have continued to read in the media, all sorts of lies fabricated to create crisis. The recent impeachment attempt by the House of Assembly and the ensuing reactions have further created division and chaos, with my loyalty to Mr. Governor being questioned.

“It is, therefore, imperative for me to put it on record that there has never been any issue between Mr. Governor and myself. I have never undermined him. Political actors have only taken advantage of his absence to create a non-existent crisis for their own selfish interests.

“I am profoundly grateful to Mr. Governor for his intervention and role in persuading the distinguished members of Ondo State House of Assembly to embrace the political solution offered by our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the face of the impeachment move.”