2024 Poll: Ex-finance Commissioner Gets Rousing Welcome in Ondo, Vows to Defeat Aiyedatiwa

Fidelis David in Akure

A financial expert and former Commissioner for Finance in Ondo State, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa has been received by his admirers across the state.

This just as Akinterinwa who is a strong contender of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket vowed that he would defeat the current Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the APC primary elections.

The former commissioner, who hails from the Ile Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area of the state was said to be attending the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee in Abuja when the state governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa dissolved the State Executive Council last Wednesday.

However, Akinterinwa who had worked with Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) as the Special Assistant on Finance, Investment and Strategy to the Managing Director between 1999 and 2002, was welcomed by supporters, APC leaders, and residents who trooped out to catch a glimpse of one of the governorship aspirants.

The people of the state from across the 18 local government areas of the state stormed the Akure Airport as early as 9:00 am to welcome the Ile-Oluji-born financial expert in appreciation of his meritorious service to the state.

Addressing the mammoth crowd, Akinterinwa appreciated the people for their love for him and promised to reciprocate the love they had for him.

His words: “I am humbled by your perseverance. You have been here since morning. I came late due to a delay in my flight as a result of poor weather. A lot of flights were cancelled due to the weather.

“We had the opportunity to fly when the weather became clear enough and approved by the authority. I know you have been waiting for about eight hours to express your appreciation to me after my meritorious service to our state for about seven years. Your gesture is a testimonial that when you do well, people will appreciate you. This is a manifestation of better things to come.”

This just as Akinterinwa while speaking on a national television on Friday vowed that he would defeat the current Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the APC primary elections.

Specifically, Akinterinwa revealed how his ex-boss, the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu after he returned from his medical trip to Germany in 2023 anointed him as his (Akeredolu) successor.

“During the discussion in his office, he told me that he would want me to takeover from him. And he prayed for me. I’m also aware that he told certain people about that desire. The conversation happened immediately after he came back from Germany.”

“At an appropriate time, I will make my intentions known. I am confident that I will get the ticket. The people are with me,” he added.