Ondo commissioner alleges forgery of Akeredolu’s signature

Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources in Ondo State Razaq Obe has alleged that the signature of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu is being forged on official document in the state.

Obe, in a letter her addressed to Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said the forgery occurred in a document he sent to the governor for approval which was sent back to him.

According to him, the document which was reportedly signed by Governor Akeredolu had significant differences in the signature and handwriting of the governor he was familiar with.

He added that with his suspicion, he engaged the services the services of a forensic expert, who confirmed that the governor’s signature was forged.

The letter read, “I write to bring to your attention a critical matter that requires immediate action. It has been confirmed that the signature of Mr. Governor on a certain document has been forged.

“The irregularities in the signature were first observed when a file from my ministry was returned through the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). This is the only file that has been returned so far out of the five files that were sent for Mr. Governor’s approval about two months ago.

“Upon closer inspection, I noticed significant differences between the suspicious signature and handwriting and Mr. Governor’s known signatures and handwriting in the file. Concerned about the gravity of the situation, I decided to seek a forensic review before disclosing my discovery. I sent the suspicious signature, andwriting samples, and copies of the old regular signatures to forensic experts who have now confirmed that the suspicious signature and hand writing were indeed forged.

“Despite the inherent risks involved, I have chosen to fulfill the obligations of my office by reporting this alarming development to you as the highest-ranking member of the State Executive Council after Mr Governor. I firmly believe that this is the course of action our esteemed leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, would take in such a situation.

“Considering the possibility that such forgery may be widespread, this heads-up is of utmost importance to the government and people of Ondo State. I have attached a copy of the forensic report and relevant pages from the file for your reference.

“I urge you to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves and take appropriate actions to address the situation. It is crucial that we restore the integrity of our processes and ensure that such a disturbing development is swiftly punctuated.”