TheCable

Doyin Odebowale, an aide to Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo, says “little” governance took place in the state during his principal’s absence.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday, Odebowale said while Akeredolu was ill, some persons were planning to contest the 2024 governorship election.

Last Thursday, Akeredolu returned to Nigeria after a three-month medical leave in Germany.

RUMOURS OF RIFT

In June, Akeredolu left Nigeria for medical attention in Germany and handed the reins of power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The prolonged stay of the Ondo governor in Germany elicited concerns among the political class and residents of the state.

A few days after his return, Akeredolu sacked the media aides attached to the office of Aiyedatiwa.

The development stirred speculations that all is not well between Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa.

‘AKEREDOLU HATES PETTY POLITICS’

Speaking on the development, Odebowale, the special adviser on special duty and strategy, said the governor has the prerogative to appoint or sack any member of his cabinet.

Asked about the status of the relationship between the duo, Odebowale said there is no problem and that the governor and his deputy met few days ago.

He said the state will not emulate the political situation in neighbouring Edo state, adding that Akeredolu hates “petty” politics.

“The governor is not interested in petty politics that people have reduced the whole state to in his absence,” he said.

“I can tell you for free, when he was away, there was little governance.

“People want to contest and they want to be governor.

“It is within their rights but they were distracting us. They were recruiting people to distract us. The governor is not petty.”

Asked if the governor is against his deputy contesting the 2024 election, Odebowale said Akeredolu has not informed anyone of his choice of successor.

He said some persons were posting the obituary of the Ondo governor while he was in Germany.

He added that these unnamed persons were also demanding the transfer of power.