JUST IN: No rift between Aiyedatiwa, Deputy – Ondo Govt

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The Ondo State Government has dismissed reports of a political rift between Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, describing the claims as “blatant falsehoods” aimed at creating public mistrust.

In a statement on Monday, the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, John Paul Akinduro, faulted an online publication by Sahara Reporters alleging that Dr Adelami was denied access to his official residence over a political disagreement with the governor.

“For the sake of well-meaning residents and lovers of Ondo State, Dr Adelami and his boss share an abiding bond and mutual respect, so significant that detractors had to make up this lie to create public mistrust and satisfy their ungodly appetite. Dr Adelami has often demonstrated that his loyalty to his principal remains absolute,” the statement read in part.

The government insisted that the deputy governor had never stayed in what the report described as a “ramshackle hotel” and was not at any time barred from entering his lodge.

According to the statement, “These lies only exist in the imagination of the anti-democratic elements peddling such.”

Akinduro explained that Governor Aiyedatiwa, upon assuming office, had ordered a facelift of the deputy governor’s official residence, which has now been completed.

The statement further noted that Dr Adelami, whether in public or private, had always spoken highly of his principal’s leadership style, commending him for his commitment to democratic ideals and his “amiable disposition”.

The government urged those spreading what it described as divisive propaganda to “eschew bitterness” and support Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration in its drive to actualise the vision for a better Ondo State.