Aiyedatiwa’s supporters earlier raised the alarm that Akeredolu’s signature was being forged to siphon state funds.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Ondo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Rasaq Obe, has written Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, saying he could confirm that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s signature was forged.
Akeredolu has been in Ibadan since his return to Nigeria from Germany in September for treatment of an undisclosed ailment.
The governor’s lack of presence in the state has raised questions about who really is in charge.
Aiyedatiwa’s supporters earlier raised the alarm that Akeredolu’s signature was being forged to siphon state funds.
In a letter to Aiyedatiwa dated December 7, 2023 and made available to the media on Friday, Obe said the situation required immediate action.
The letter read: “It has been confirmed that the signature of Mr. Governor on a certain document has been forged.
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“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, handwriting samples, and copies of the old regular signatures to forensic experts, who have now confirmed that the suspicious signature and handwriting 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.”