Aiyedatiwa explained that the planned memorial lecture for his former boss is an exclusive event of the state government
By Kehinde Okeowo
Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has faulted claims by the widow of his predecessor, Betty Akeredolu, that the memorial lecture being organized in honour of her late husband is an avenue to embezzle public funds.
Immediate past governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) died on December 28 last year, following a protracted illness.
To fill the vacuum created by his demise, his deputy, Aiyedatiwa, was sworn in as governor in accordance with constitutional provisions before he later emerged as winner of the November gubernatorial election in the state.
To honour the legacy of his former boss, the governor decided to organize a memorial lecture on Friday, December 27.
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However, Mrs Akeredolu, has distanced herself from the lecture being organized by the Ondo State government in honour her late husband.
She also chided Aiyedatiwa for allegedly organizing a memorial lecture for the late governor without informing his family.
Speaking via her verified X page, the former First Lady also claimed that the event wasn’t for her late husband, but an “entry point to chop money on Aketi’s head.”
Betty tweeted, “Lucky can’t be serious! Which legacy? Mtcheew. Lecture, my foot! This is not for Aketi because I and my family are not aware. Damn it!
“As the saying goes, you and your co-travellers cannot shave Aketi’s head in his absence. You cannot weep more than the bereaved. This is an insidious propaganda carried too far!
“Lucky, you are preoccupied with rubbishing Aketi’s legacy; you can’t succeed, anyway. Anybody close to Aketi and Arabinrin becomes your enemy. Your minions are scared to get close otherwise they lose their appointments.
“Now, you want to pretend by organising one yeye lecture for Aketi’s memorial as an entry point to chop money on Aketi’s head. You are on your own o! If this is not #yahoo #419 lecture, tell me what it is!”
Reacting to the allegations through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa explained that the planned lecture is an exclusive event of the state government.
He further clarified that the organisers extended invitation to the late Akeredolu’s family.
“Akeredolu was not just a family man. He was the governor of Ondo State. He died while serving the state. He was given a state burial and the state governor attended all the burial activities in Akure, Owo, and Ibadan.
“The state government is organising this lecture to mark the first anniversary of his passing, and an invitation has been extended to the family for representation. There is no dispute between the government and the family, and we are aware that there will be other events lined up to mark that anniversary.” the statement read.