Wale Akinterinwa, the former commissioner for finance in Ondo State, has revealed that before his passing, former governor Rotimi Akeredolu had designated him as his successor.
Akeredolu, who battled prostate cancer, passed away on December 27 in a German hospital.
During an interview on TVC News, Akinterinwa disclosed that he had a conversation with the late governor regarding the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state. Akeredolu had instructed him to prepare for assuming the seat of power.
This discussion concerning succession plans took place after Akeredolu’s return from his second medical trip to Germany.
“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.
Prior to Mr. Akeredolu’s passing while in office, the competition to succeed him had fractured the State Executive Council (SEC) and intensified political tensions within the state.
At least five members of the state cabinet, including Mr. Akinterinwa and the former Secretary to the State Government, Oladunni Odu, had been actively vying to assume Mr. Akeredolu’s position ahead of the governorship election scheduled for November 16, 2024.
While the former commissioner has yet to formally announce his aspirations, he indicated that he had initiated consultations to secure the All Progressives Congress ticket and participate in the gubernatorial contest.
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.”
Mr. Akinterinwa, a member of the dissolved cabinet by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, received a warm welcome upon his return to the state on Friday, greeted by numerous supporters at the Akure Airport.
The supporters, predominantly comprising youths and women from the Southern Senatorial District, brandished various placards advocating for the former finance commissioner to enter the gubernatorial race.
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Representing the supporters, Dele Adebayo expressed their deliberate decision to withhold their call for Mr. Akinterinwa to contest the governorship until he left office. Adebayo emphasized that given his capacity to enhance the state’s economy, supporters from all 18 LGAs were rallying behind him.
“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.
(NAN)