The race to appoint a deputy governor has gained momentum in Ondo State as names of potential nominees rent the air.
According to sources close to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, four names are currently being considered for the vacant position.
Daily Report Nigeria reports that Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as governor on Wednesday, December 27, following the death of Rotimi Akeredoly after a prolonged battle with prostrate cancer.
An appointee of the late governor is now tipped to succeed Aiyedatiwa as deputy in the coming days.
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Among those currently being considered are the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Razaq Obe; his Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives counterpart, Akinwumi Sowore; Chief of Staff, Olugbenga Ale; and the Special Adviser on Gender, Olumide Falana.
Recall that Obe and Sowore were the two cabinet members who refused to sign the vote of confidence passed on Akeredolu on November 16, 2023, by 33 members of the State Executive Council.
Obe was also the one who raised the alarm on the forgery of the late governor’s by some people within the cabinet.
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There are strong indications that Obe, who is from Ifedore Local Council in the Central Senatorial District of the state, could get the picked over his alliance with Aiyedatiwa.
The choice of Ale is also said to be being considered due to the resolve to compensate the Owo community, where the late governor hailed from.
“Yes, Razaq Obe has been the one that we had thought would definitely be picked by Aiyedatiwa. But with the death of Aketi (Oluwarotimi Akeredolu), the name of Olugbenga Ale, who was sidelined, is now flying around,” a source told Guardian.
