The Ondo State government has denied allegations that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s signature has been forged on official documents.
The accusation, made by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kayode Ajulo on Arise Television, caused a stir.
Ajulo’s claim stems from the governor’s recent absence from the state due to medical reasons. He argued that the power vacuum created by Akeredolu’s absence has allowed “cabals” to take control, resorting to forging the governor’s signature to legitimise their actions.
However, the government’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, dismissed the allegation as “utterly preposterous and ludicrous.” He challenged Ajulo to present concrete evidence, accusing him of relying on “fabricated signatures” circulating on social media.
“We are more than willing to investigate the matter and prosecute anyone found culpable,” Olatunde declared. “But we cannot entertain baseless speculations and unfounded claims.”
He further criticised Ajulo for failing to produce the alleged forged documents or disclose the beneficiary. “The individuals behind these fabricated signatures are the real culprits engaging in criminal activities,” Olatunde asserted.
He also questioned Ajulo’s motivations, labelling him and his associates as “crisis entrepreneurs” who thrive on chaos and instability. “Their real gains are in crisis, not peace,” Olatunde stated.
To quell the controversy, Olatunde confirmed that he personally spoke to Governor Akeredolu, who “emphatically refuted” the claim of forgery. “The truth of the matter is only Governor Akeredolu can claim that his signature has been forged,” Olatunde insisted.
He urged the public to disregard the accusations, calling them a “disservice to the state and the people.”
