•Says Gov Akeredolu anointed him as his successor before he died
Ahead of the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, a prominent leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Owo local government, Hon. Fatai Olushina Lawal, on Tuesday implored the people of Owo to support the governorship ambition of the former Commissioner for Finance, Mr Wale Akinterinwa.
Hon Lawal made this appeal while holding a meeting at the Owo local government APC secretariat with the party executive, including all the ward chairmen, and some members of the party.
The APC stalwart used the occasion to appreciate the party leaders for their support when he was in the political office for seven years as Special Assistant on Natural Resources to the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN CON.
While commending Governor Aiyedatiwa for nominating an Owo son, Chief Olayide Adelami, as his deputy following the demise of Governor Akeredolu, Lawal also said the only way Owo people, particularly APC members can keep the memory of late Akeredolu alive is to support the aspiration of Akinterinwa wholeheartedly.
He narrated that he was privileged to be among some prominent leaders that the late Akeredolu informed that he would love Akinterinwa to be his successor, adding that he was also aware that the late governor met the former finance commissioner and blessed him on September 16, 2023, before he later died on December 27, 2023.
Lawal said, “Since I was once part of you in the local government executive before I was appointed seven years ago, I am here today to thank you all for the support you all gave to me to succeed in the office as a Special Assistant on Natural Resources to our late leader and governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN CON.
I have no issue with Governor Aiyedatiwa. Assuming that I am not opportune to be among the leaders that our late leader informed about his choice on the issue of his successor, I would have supported Governor Aiyedatiwa because we are neighbours and he is also someone that I have so much respect for in this our great party.
“However, Aketi gave his word, and it would be unfair for us, who are his staunch loyalists in Owo to overrule his decisions just because he is no more.
Mr Lawal also told the party leaders that late governor Akeredolu did not choose Akinterinwa for a selfish reason but based on his track records when he was his commissioner for finance and his ability to move the state and the party forward.
“Late Akeredolu knew that Mr Akinterinwa had so many qualities that set him apart from other aspirants. Akinterinwa is a passionate leader, and his deep knowledge of issues, particularly in the area of accounting, was what helped our late leader (Akeredolu) to stabilise the economy of the state and also cleared six out of the seven months’ salaries arrears that he inherited from the former governor Olusegun Mimiko’s government”. He said.
Hon. Fatai Olushina Lawal was appreciated by the Owo local government APC chairman, Hon. Balogun for not forgetting his source as a member of the local government executive before his appointment and thank him for all his support for all members of the executive during his service.
Hon. Balogun appreciated fatai Olushina Lawal for sharing light to some darkness as regards the coming primary election for the governorship.
