Ondo civil servant suspended over Akeredolu’s death rumour
By Temitope Adedeji, Akure
A civil servant in Ondo State has been suspended for allegedly being responsible for the fake news about the death of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The state Head of Service, Pastor John Adeyemo, who disclosed this in Akure, said the disciplinary measure meted on the civil servant was based on the death rumour he peddled about the governor.
Adeyemi, who did not disclose the identity of the said officer, however, said his name has been forwarded to the Civil Service Commission for appropriate punishment.
He explained further that the officer posted the fake news on his Facebook account, adding that such bad behavior would not be condoned and tolerated in the civil service of the state.
He suggested severe sanctions against purveyors of such fake news to serve as deterrent to others, stressing that fake news creates problems in the society.
Adeyemo also expressed joy that the governor is back to the country hale and hearty, saying God has shamed the rumour mongers and their sponsors.
“Incidentally, I called Mr. Governor a day before the rumour and we spoke and chatted. So, when I heard the fake news I was disturbed and was like who is this fellow carrying this terrible rumour because I knew Mr. Governor was alive and with vigour. So, never believed it,” he said.
The governor began a two-week leave as part of his annual vacation on April 1, 2022. When he was away, his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa acted for him.
However, while the governor was away, it was rumoured that he had died in Germany.
Speaking live on the state-owned OSRC TV, on Monday, the governor described the rumour as wicked and politically motivated.
He thanked the people of the state, saying that he is very much alive and will return to work on Monday to further give his best for the development of the state.
He said: “I left the shores of this country on March 27, 2022. I was with my party on the 26th of March, I was physically present, I was there until the early hours of 27th March, 2022. Throughout 26th, I was at the convention of the APC in Abuja and everybody saw me there. I even sat with delegates from Ondo State. I never left them except when I left to greet delegates from South West and other areas. And it was a successful outing for us in Ondo State and for South West as well.
“And the second day, I left for Dubai. We had the annual investment meeting in Dubai and we were all there. So many governors, about 13 of us were there. I went principally in respect of our Port Ondo because it was during the previous year that we had relationship, and with the relationship with Dubai Port, I wanted to solidify.
“It was not a pleasure vacation. My vacation started on 1st April. But from 27th March, 2022 it was working visit to Dubai, I was still working. So my first 14 days did not start until 1st of April, 2022. So, I was in Dubai working for the State. About 14 States participated and each State has its stand, and I displayed what we have in Ondo State; our bitumen, our mineral resources. I attended other fora to discuss and project the image of Ondo State,” Akeredolu explained.
