Ondo Crisis: Lawyer Alleges Cabal Forging Akeredolu’s Signature, Urges Gov to Delegate Power

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kayode Ajulo, has made serious allegations against the Ondo State government, claiming some officials are forging Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s signature on documents.

Ajulo, who spoke on Arise Television, also questioned the legality of Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s hold on power and urged Akeredolu to either delegate power or address the public himself.

Ajulo’s claims come amid a prolonged crisis in the state, with Aiyedatiwa assuming power in February due to Akeredolu’s health challenges.

However, the lack of a formal power transfer has fueled controversy, with some questioning Aiyedatiwa’s legitimacy and others accusing him of sidelining certain officials.

Ajulo, based on his legal expertise, believes the purported signatures on documents are not Akeredolu’s.

He cited private investigator findings as damning evidence and called for security agencies to investigate the missing N7.5 billion in state funds. He also questioned the governor’s silence while his health is funded by public money.

He said, “I have it on good authority as a lawyer. Some of the commissioners, about five of them, sent memos to the governor, and they all returned with approval.

“Going through the approval compared to what the governor had approved when he was hale (sic) and hearty, there are notable disparities in them.

“The Police and Administration of Justice Act has made it clear that there can be private investigators into the issue as such, and they have been contacted, but their results after the investigation are so damning.

“The purported signature is not from the governor. It is so apparent.”

Ajulo said the need for Akeredolu to either speak publicly and assure the people or formally delegate power to Aiyedatiwa.

He argued that the deputy governor was chosen by Akeredolu and likely deserves his trust.

“Why are some people sitting on the provisional constitutions? It is obvious that some people are holding the state by the jugular and using the present situation to loot the state’s wealth.

“DSS recently has been going around. Other security agencies should embrace the same. Questions bordering on the missing N7.5 billion in the state should be asked, and who gave the approval should not be left out.

“The governor owes it a duty to speak with his people if he can since his health status is being funded with the same taxpayers’ money, or he should do the necessary constitutional duties, which is to delegate power to his deputy.

“His deputy was selected by him and possibly his party members before he ran for office. I don’t think he would have selected someone he had no trust in,” he added.

The crisis seemed to be nearing a resolution in November when President Bola Tinubu intervened, urging peace and maintaining the status quo. Aiyedatiwa pledged unity and the Speaker halted impeachment proceedings against him.