Babajide Akeredolu, son of the late Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has criticised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for naming an uncompleted judicial complex after his late father.
He described as “premature and insincere” the naming of project after Aketi.
He also advised Aiyedatiwa to reflect on true loyalty and respect for the late governor in actions, and not with empty gestures or political gimmicks.
“True loyalty and respect for the late governor must be reflected in actions, not empty gestures or political gimmicks,” Akeredolu said.
He added that the governor would truly honour his father by completing the projects initiated by the late governor.
His observations were contained in a statement issued on behalf of the Akeredolu family.
He however commended the groundbreaking of the Judicial Complex, a project dear to the late governor, but criticised the politics surrounding it.
Akeredolu described the decision to name the project after the late governor before its completion as premature.
He urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to demonstrate genuine commitment to Akeredolu’s legacy by prioritising the completion and functionality of such projects.
He noted as unfortunate the clash between the government’s Leadership Lecture Series and the Akeredolu family’s remembrance programme in Owo.
According to him, the family had formally informed the governor of their plans, but the state government organized its event without consulting or inviting any family members.
He said the omission was “discourteous and disrespectful” for an event meant to honour a former governor.
He mentioned the completion of the Flyover at Onyearugbulem Junction, regarded as a flagship infrastructure project meant to be completed within 18 months but is now progressing slowly, that the governor should focus on.
He said roads behind SIB and Ijoka Road have been neglected, causing hardship for residents.
“Oda Road has seen substandard work compared to projects completed during Akeredolu’s tenure,” he said.
He also accused Aiyedatiwa of alienating individuals associated with Akeredolu and called for an end to divisive actions.
He said the family of Akeredolu would want the governor to emulate his predecessor’s courage and conviction in leadership.
The family however appreciated the Deputy Governor for representing the state at the remembrance event and other functions in the governor’s absence.
They advised Aiyedatiwa to separate politics from governance and focus on effective leadership to leave a lasting legacy.
The former first lady, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, had earlier raised similar allegations against the governor, rejecting the memorial lecture organized by the state government in honour of her husband.
She had accused the governor of insincerity and noting that the family was not aware of the government’s plans.
Officials of the state government had refrained from directly responding to the allegations of the family, even though elements within the government had unofficially responded to the attacks.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan has also refused to comment on the attacks.
Inside sources noted that the state government was content with the Deputy Governor’s representation of the government in the activities of the anniversary held by the late governor’s family in Owo.
Officials have also berated the First Lady for being disrespectful of the governor in spite of efforts made by the latter to reach out to the family.
