- The governor was said to have lost the battle to Leukemia after months of acute illness
- In another development, Aiyedatiwa has been sworn in as Ondo Governor
Richard Olatunde, the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s chief press secretary, and Dare Aragbaiye, the Governor’s senior special adviser on union matters, have both resigned from their positions.
This occurs less than a day after it was revealed that Arakunrin Akeredolu passed away in Germany.
While Aragbaiye sent a curt letter announcing his departure, Olatunde wrote “It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I tender my resignation as the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, effective from today, Wednesday 27, 2023.
“My decision to resign from office is hinged on the unfortunate and untimely death of our leader, principal, and father figure, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.
“Throughout my tenure as the Chief Press Secretary, I was fortunate to witness firsthand the exceptional qualities of Governor Akeredolu. His courage, truthfulness, and honesty were unrivalled, and they served as a constant source of inspiration for me.
“His leadership and dedication to the development of our state ignited within me a drive and passion to serve and contribute my quota to the progress of our beloved state.
“Governor Akeredolu was not only an administrator but also a rare gem whose personality exuded honour and courage. It was a privilege to have served under his administration and to have been associated with such an exceptional individual. His demise has left a deep void in our hearts, and we mourn the loss of our hero and benefactor.
“In light of this tragedy, I believe it is essential for everyone to honour and respect Governor Akeredolu’s legacy and memory. As we navigate through this difficult period, I beseech all to support one another and draw strength from the unity that our late governor exemplified.
“I would like to express my gratitude to everyone including Journalists, politicians and other stakeholders for the support, guidance, and opportunities I received during my time as Chief Press Secretary. It has been an invaluable experience working alongside such dedicated professionals, and I will cherish the memories and lessons from this role.
“I understand the challenges that lie ahead for our state, and I have faith in the resilience of our people to overcome them. Moving forward, I will continue to contribute to the development of our society in any way I can, carrying with me the principles and values instilled in me by my mentor, principal and father, Governor Akeredolu.”