The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources in Ondo State, Mr Razak Obe, has said that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s signature was forged on an official document.
Obe said this in a letter drawing the attention of Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa to the matter.
In the letter made available to the media, the commissioner acknowledged the personal risk he faced by exposing the matter but said he decided to do it because of the potential danger the situation portends for the state.
Obe said, “I write to call your attention to a critical matter that has been confirmed; the signature of Mr Governor on a certain document has been forged.
“The irregularities in the signature were first observed when a file from my ministry was returned through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government. This is the only file that has been returned so far out of the five files that were sent to Mr Governor for approval about two months ago.
“Under close inspection, I noticed significant differences between the suspicious signature and handwriting and Mr. Governor’s known signature and handwriting in the file.
“Concerned about the gravity of the situation, I decided to seek a forensic review before disclosing my discovery. I sent the suspicious signature handwriting samples and copies of the old regular signatures to forensic experts, who have now confirmed that the suspicious signature and handwriting were indeed forged.
“Despite the inherent risks involved, I have chosen to fulfill the obligations of my office by reporting this alarming development to you as the highest-ranking member of the State Executive Council after Mr. Governor. I firmly believe that this is the course of action our esteemed leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, would take in such a situation.
“Considering the possibility that such forgery may be widespread, this heads-up is of utmost importance to the government and people of Ondo State. I have attached a copy of the forensic report and relevant pages from the file for your reference.
“I urge you to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves and take appropriate actions to address the situation. It is crucial that we restore the integrity of our processes and ensure that such a disturbing development is swiftly punctuated.”
A senior lawyer, Kayode Ajulo, recently raised the alarm that some Ondo state government officials were signing documents of the ailing governor.