Former Aide to Late Governor Akeredolu Declines Service Under New Governor

Doyin Odebowale, the former Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties and Strategy to the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, has stated his reasons for declining to work with the newly sworn-in governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Odebowale, who had served alongside Akeredolu for nearly three decades, expressed his inability to replicate the same level of dedication and loyalty to Aiyedatiwa that he had shown to Akeredolu.

He, along with other key aides, resigned from their positions following the demise of Governor Akeredolu, who passed away in Germany after battling prostate cancer.

In a statement to journalists in Akure, Odebowale reflected on his long association with Akeredolu, highlighting his role in persuading Akeredolu to contest the 2018 gubernatorial election.

He emphasized that his decision was personal and not borne out of any animosity towards the current administration.

“I have worked with Akeredolu for 30 years. I was the last person who convinced him to contest the previous election. I wrote all his campaign content.

It is more of a personal reason for me. I have nothing against whoever is in office now,” Odebowale stated.

Clarifying his stance further, he added, “I have nothing left to do in the office when the person who brought me there is no longer there.

I can’t remain in that space and pretend. I can’t be as committed as I was with Akeredolu because I got all his support. It was not political. He gave me the wings to fly. He was my brother, like family.”

Odebowale’s decision underscores the personal bonds and loyalty that often characterize political relationships, shedding light on the complexities of transitions in political leadership, especially in the wake of a significant loss like that of Governor Akeredolu.