Former Ondo State commissioner for finance Wale Akinterinwa disclosed that former governor Rotimi Akeredolu had named him to succeed him prior to his death.
Prostate cancer survivor Akeredolu passed away at a German hospital on December 27.
In an interview with TVC News, Akinterinwa revealed that he discussed the upcoming state gubernatorial election with the late governor. He had been told by Akeredolu to get ready to take over as leader.
This conversation about succession planning occurred following Akeredolu’s return from his second medical visit to Germany.
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“He (Akeredolu) actually had a discussion with me, and during the discussion in his house, he told me that he actually wants me to take over from him.
“He prayed for me. I’m aware that he told certain people about that desire. The conversation happened immediately after he came back from his trip to Germany,” Mr Akinterinwa said over the weekend.
Political tensions in the state had escalated due to the competition to succeed Mr. Akeredolu, which had caused division within the State Executive Council (SEC).
Before the November 16, 2024, governorship election, at least five state cabinet officials, including Mr. Akinterinwa and Oladunni Odu, the former Secretary to the State Government, had been actively vying to take Mr. Akeredolu’s place.
The former commissioner said that he had started talks to obtain the All Progressives Congress ticket and run for governor, even though he hasn’t made an official announcement of his intentions.
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According to him, “At the appropriate time, I will announce my intention, which is really not in doubt that I’m still making further consultations.
“And I can assure you that I will get the ticket. The people are with me, and I’m very confident that I will.”
Members of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s disbanded cabinet, including Mr. Akinterinwa, were hailed at the Akure Airport by throngs of fans on Friday when he returned to the state.
The supporters, who were mostly young women and men from the Southern Senatorial District, held up signs urging the former finance commissioner to run for governor.
Dele Adebayo spoke on behalf of the supporters, stating that they had made the conscious choice to wait to ask Mr. Akinterinwa to run for governor until after he left office. Adebayo stressed that all 18 LGAs were supporting him because of his ability to boost the state’s economy.
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“We are convinced that he’s more than capable of changing the narrative and governance in the state. We are calling on Wale Akinterinwa to contest the April governorship primary of the APC and grab the ticket for the November poll.
“We are ready to mobilise for his success because he is capable. A financial expert would know how to manage the economy of the state. He has been the finance commissioner for three times, demonstrating transparency, accountability, and high integrity in government,” he said.
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