Ondo Governor Akeredolu Denies Giving Order To Restrict Deputy Governor’s Exit From State House
Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo state, has denied involvement in the drama that ensued between his Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi and Commissioner of Police, Bolaji Salami.
On Saturday night, police officers led by Salami prevented the Deputy Governor from moving out of his official quarters at the government house premises.
Agboola and some of his personal aides were were reportedly at the government house to move out his belongings when they were stopped by the police.
It is alleged that the Commissioner acted on the order of Governor Akeredolu following the circulation of unconfirmed reports that Ajayi plans to decamp from All Progressive Congress (APC) to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
However in a statement on Sunday, Segun Ajiboye, Akeredolu’s spokesman, described the governor’s alleged involvement in the saga as “absolute falsehood”.
He said it is a normal practice in government for inventory of offices and residential quarters to be taken before an official leaves such premises.
Ajiboye stated that it is worrisome that aides of the deputy governor insisted on leaving the premises with unclear ownership of items in their possession.
The spokesman added that the involvement of the commissioner of police was to restore law and order.
The statement by Ajiboye reads;
It should be placed on records that it is a time-tested code in government’s business for officials to take inventory of offices and quarters before and after an official is moving in or out of offices or quarters.
Accordingly, the Commissioner of Police intervention which was at the instance of an almost manipulated security apparatus at the Government House was most desirable to restore law and order.
It becomes particularly worrisome and suspicious when aides of the Deputy Governor insisted on leaving the premises with items wrapped in unclear ownership as late as 11pm.
Governor Akeredolu reiterates his commitment to the rights of all, including the Deputy Governor governor. But he has a duty to be firm and dispassionate in exercising the roles assigned to him.
There are further speculations that the alleged plan of Ajayi to decamp to PDP is to afford him the opportunity to run against Governor Akeredolu in gubernatorial election in the state slated for October, 2020.
