Ondo Crisis Deepens as Commissioner Alleges Akeredolu’s Signature Forged

Fidelis David in Akure

The Ondo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Razaq Obe, has written the Deputy Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, alleging forgery of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s signature on official documents.

This came three days after Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, through his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde faulted claim by a senior lawyer, Kayode Ajulo (SAN), that his signature was being forged by his aides to carry out government business.  
Ajulo had during a live interview on Arise Television show on Monday, alleged that some Ondo State government officials were signing documents in the name of the ailing Governor Akeredolu, adding that the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, cannot take over from Akeredolu because power has not been transferred to him constitutionally.

However, Obe, in a letter dated December 7, 2023 confirmed that the irregularities in the signature of his principal who has been performing his official duties from Ibadan, Oyo State capital since his arrival from a three-month medical leave in Germany on September 7.
The letter reads: “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, 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.

According to the Commissioner, “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”, he stressed.

He added that, “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.”