As the drama in the Ondo State political space continues to unravel, the Deputy Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has firmly refuted rumors surrounding a pre-signed resignation letter attributed to him. This statement comes in response to claims made by SaharaReporters regarding an alleged plot to remove him from office if he did not resign voluntarily.
Sources close to the deputy governor, who chose to remain anonymous, have indicated that Aiyedatiwa, who had been overseeing Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s responsibilities during his medical treatment abroad, has no intentions of resigning before the completion of his four-year term.
In a letter signed by the deputy governor and titled “Re: PURPORTED PRE-SIGNED RESIGNATION LETTER,” Mr. Aiyedatiwa addressed the circulating rumors. He stated,
“My attention has been drawn to a rumor 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 urge the people of Ondo State, the State Assembly and the general public to disregard such letter now and in the future. Thank you.”
The Deputy Governor has urged the public, especially the residents of Ondo State, to disregard the alleged pre-signed resignation letter and reiterated his commitment to fulfilling his duties until the end of his term.
Aiyedatiwa, who temporarily assumed the role of Governor for approximately four months during Governor Akeredolu’s undisclosed medical treatment in Germany, is purportedly encountering pressure from influential politicians aligned with the governor. These politicians are reportedly urging him to either voluntarily resign or confront the possibility of impeachment.
According to reports, two alternatives have been put forward to Aiyedatiwa: resigning of his own accord or potentially facing impeachment proceedings.
“This divide within the State Executive Council deepened during the governor’s absence. Commissioners who cooperated with Lucky Aiyedatiwa during the governor’s leave have been branded as disloyal to the governor,” one of the sources had revealed.
A high-ranking government official voiced their exasperation, remarking that the continuous barrage of threats originating from Ibadan, where Governor Akeredolu is currently situated, had become overwhelmingly excessive.
He had said,
“The threat to dismiss and reshuffle the cabinet is too much. We have contributed to the government’s success, and we are tired of these daily threats.”
Following Governor Akeredolu’s return from his medical trip, he has been convening cabinet meetings and overseeing the state’s affairs from Ibadan. This has led to speculations that only individuals in his inner circle will maintain their positions.