Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has vehemently refuted allegations of academic certificate forgery leveled against him, asserting the authenticity of his credentials. Aiyedatiwa made this assertion after being the first aspirant cleared by the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening committee for the forthcoming governorship election in the state, scheduled for April 20.
The governor’s clearance follows a period of contention with fellow aspirants within the APC, including Wale Akinterinwa, Mayowa Akinfolarin, Prof Francis Faduyile, Isaacs Kekemeke, Chief Olusola Oke (SAN), Gbenga Edema, and Senator Jimoh Ibrahim. Disputes primarily revolved around his academic qualifications, spurred by a petition lodged by legal practitioner Oladotun Hassan to the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission.
Addressing journalists at the APC national secretariat after his screening, Aiyedatiwa emphasized the thoroughness of the screening process and affirmed the legitimacy of his certificates, dismissing the forgery allegations as a ploy by rivals to undermine his candidacy. He clarified the circumstances surrounding his education, referencing Lateef Jakande’s gubernatorial tenure in Lagos and the establishment of schools during that period.
However, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, another aspirant, seized the moment to challenge Aiyedatiwa, displaying his own academic and award certificates to reporters. Ibrahim criticized the governor’s candidacy, alleging that Aiyedatiwa rode to power on the coattails of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and minimal endorsements from the State House of Assembly. Ibrahim expressed confidence in his own prospects, highlighting his previous electoral success as a senator.
Despite the internal party tensions, Governor Aiyedatiwa proceeded to inaugurate 12 newly appointed commissioners in the state, urging them to diligently execute their respective duties. The appointments received approval from the state House of Assembly, culminating in the official induction of the new commissioners into office.