Rift between Ondo governor, Deputy deepens as governor sacks his media aides

In spite of denials of any rift, Ondo Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Tuesday sacked all the media aides of the Deputy governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Those relieved of their appointments were the Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Kenneth Odusola, Special Assistant to the deputy governor (new media), Okunniga Oladipupo and Special Assistant on Photography, Abayomi Samson Adefolalu.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde, said the affected aides should submit all government properties in their custody to the Acting Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor.

It said the press crew attached to the office of the deputy governor has been disbanded.

“Consequently, all members of the Press Crew are to report back to their various ministries and stations.

“Equally, the Ministry of Information and Orientation is directed to provide adequate coverage for the activities of the deputy’s governor office henceforth,” the statement said.

Persecondnews reports that Aiyedatiwa said on Tuesday there is no rift between him and his boss, Akeredolu.

Aiyedatiwa said stories circulated on social media by some faceless individuals and groups are aimed at denting his reputation.

The Deputy Governor made this known in a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson.

Aiyedatiwa said: “The lies would have been ignored but owe it a duty to prevent the public from being deceived into believing the same falsehoods being repeated and recycled in different forms by those whose sole intention is to soil the image of the man who they see as a threat to their political interests.

“These faceless individuals who have been hiding their identities because what they are putting out are pure fabrications, are being sponsored by those who are threatened by the profile of the Deputy Governor, his relationship with his boss, and the goodwill he enjoys with the people.”