By Matthew Ochada
Ahead of the 2024 Governorship Elections in Ondo State, a convener of the coalition of Non indigenes for Aketi Season 11, Hon. Austine Alaba Medaiyedu, , has disclosed that the late Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu’s had endorsed Wale Akinterinwa as his successor
Addressing journalists during a public endorsement rally for Akinterinwa’s gubernatorial bid, Medaiyedu’s openly announced to the crowd that Akeredolu had settled for Wale Akinterinwa before his untimely demise.
“As a Yoruba man, I am acutely aware of the grave implications of uttering falsehoods about the deceased, and thus, I am very mindful of what am saying today. Akeredolu worked with Akinterinwa for close to 7 years and he was able to attest to his leadership qualities as a man who will put smiles on the face of the citizens of Ondo State if elected as Governor. Akeredolu only had about three years working relationship with Aiyedatiwa and he could not have endorsed him as his successor because Aiyedatiwa was not well known to him.
He said ,Wale Akinterinwa was well known to the late Governor more than any other Aspirants jostling for the Governorship position in the State.
He said further that “Wale Akinterinwa has been in the system more than any aspirants. He served as commissioner under Ex-Governor Olusegun Mimiko and due to his superlative performances, Akeredolu find him worthy to also appoint him as his commissioner for Finance; a very sensitive portfolio during his tenure of office. Akeredolu’s spirit will find solace in its eternal resting place if the leadership of the ruling party; the All Progressives Congress and particularly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR offers Wale Akinterinwa the right of first refusal of the Gubernatorial ticket being the choice of Aketi”.
Medaiyedu’s plea resonated like a clarion call, underscoring Akinterinwa’s formidable electoral prowess within Ondo South’s hallowed political landscape. As the torchbearer of Akeredolu’s legacy, Akinterinwa’s ascension he said, could herald a new dawn for the people of Ondo State.
