Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju the Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, dismissed media reports that the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa was prevented from seeing the governor at his Ibadan residence when he returned from medical leave. She also bares her mind on sundry issues regarding the state. 

Some cabinet members, including the wife of the governor, have been accused of shielding the governor, how true is this?

This question assumes the governor is not competent to make decisions. No cabinet member has the power to shield Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN. He is competent. His cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills are intact. 

The governor’s wife is also alleged to be the defacto acting governor of Ondo State because she is alleged to give directives to commissioners and other cabinet members. How true is this?

It is laughable to hear contrived and presumptuous stuffs like this. The imagination of those who come up with this kind of things is running riotous. I have not received any instruction or directive from the Governor’s wife. She has not even called me to ask a question. 

How true is the allegation that the deputy governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was prevented from seeing the governor when he returned to Nigeria after his medical leave?

This is not only preposterous but also malicious. I sat at the same table with the Deputy Governor on September 8, 2023, when we went to Ibadan to see the governor. I know he was there alone days after, and he met with the governor. No one has prevented him. 

It was further alleged that the Commissioner for Finance and some cabinet members disobeyed the deputy governor while he was the acting governor…

Disobey? Is the Deputy Governor a headmaster of a school or a Principal in charge of unruly children? While Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa was acting governor, he had the support of members of the State Executive Council. We all supported him to run the state. 

Why has the governor not returned to Ondo State to resume governance? How soon will he resume duties?

The governor has resumed since September 8, 2023

Is it also true that some cabinet members and politicians want to use the influence of the governor to contest in the 2024 governorship election?

Whoever wants to contest, can contest, as long as they fulfill the requirements. It is their inalienable right to do so. 

Why is the governor bent on impeaching his deputy?

The House of Assembly has started a process. Based on certain allegations against the Deputy Governor. There is no impeachment yet. 

How true are the allegations against the deputy governor?

Only the Deputy Governor and those concerned with the investigations can speak on that. I don’t know.