The media aides of Hon Lucky Ayedatiwa, the deputy governor of Ondo state, have been relieved of their duties by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
The decision comes amid speculations that the governor may soon dissolve the State Executive Council, which has been divided since his absence for medical treatment in Germany. Some commissioners and other council members have reportedly expressed anxiety over their fate, as the governor has not indicated his plans for the cabinet.
According to a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, in Akure, the affected aides are required to hand over all government properties to the acting Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor.
The aides include Press Secretary to the Governor, Kenneth Odusola; Special Assistant to Governor (New Media) Okunniga Oladipupo; and Special Assistant to the Governor (Photography) Abayomi Samson Adefolalu.
The statement reads:”All media aides appointed by the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, and seconded to the office of the deputy Governor, have been relieved of their appointments.
“They are to submit all government properties in their possession to the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor.
“Similarly, the Press Crew attached to the office of the deputy governor has been disbanded.
“Consequently, all members of the Press Crew are to report back to their various ministries and stations.
“Equally, the Ministry of Information and Orientation is directed to provide adequate coverage for the activities of the deputy governor office henceforth.”
There are speculations that the aides were sacked following alleged insubordination and flagrance disregard to the appropriate authority.
A source, who is close to the government, revealed that the deputy governor’s assistant had insulted the governor on his WhatsApp status and the governor’s friends saw the screenshot when he was in Germany for medical treatment.
The source also claimed that another assistant was involved in spreading some negative stories about the governor.
