The governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is in the process of selecting a highly qualified deputy governor for the new administration, sources close to the governor revealed.
Reports suggest that Governor Aiyedatiwa is considering four potential candidates for the deputy governor position in the state’s leadership.
This decision follows Aiyedatiwa’s assumption of office as governor after the passing of Rotimi Akeredolu on Wednesday, December 27, following an extended battle with prostate cancer.
Investigations indicate that an appointee of the late governor, who had aligned with Aiyedatiwa before Akeredolu’s demise, may likely assume the deputy governor role in the upcoming days.
Prominent figures within the new administration, including Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources Razaq Obe, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives counterpart Akinwumi Sowore, Chief of Staff Olugbenga Ale, and Special Adviser on Gender Olumide Falana, are currently under consideration.
Notably, Obe and Sowore stood out as the cabinet members who declined to endorse the late governor during a vote of confidence by 33 members of the State Executive Council on November 16, 2023. Obe also raised concerns about the alleged forgery of Akeredolu’s signatures within the cabinet.
Sources indicate that Aiyedatiwa might lean towards Obe, hailing from Ifedore Local Council in the Central Senatorial District, as his close ally, potentially making him the favoured choice for deputy governor.
Moreover, the potential consideration of Olugbenga Ale is linked to a desire to compensate the Owo community, the late governor’s hometown.
While initial expectations pointed to Razaq Obe’s selection as the likely deputy, the name of Olugbenga Ale, previously sidelined, is now gaining prominence following Akeredolu’s passing, as shared by a source with the Guardian.
