Ondo: I never paid Akeredolu’s wife, son to be Commissioner – Rasaq Obe

The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources in Ondo State, Razaq Obe, has denied allegations that he paid money to secure his appointment under the late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s administration.

Obe maintained that his appointment was not based on any financial transactions with the late Akeredolu’s family members.

The Energy Commissioner had during the illness of Akeredolu raised the alarm that the signature of the late governor was being forged by some persons within the cabinet.

A former Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties and Strategies to the late Akeredolu, Doyin Odebowale, had lashed out at Obe in an interview, demanding that he reveal the amount paid to Akeredolu’s wife, Betty, and son, Babajide, for his appointment as Commissioner within the cabinet.

According to Odebowale in the viral video, Obe had no political relevance until Betty and Babajide endorsed him as cabinet member after which he was appointed the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources.

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On his part, Obe emphasised that such claims were baseless and aimed at tarnishing his reputation and that of the late governor.

He emphasised that his effort to ensure that Akeredolu emerged victorious in Ilara-Mokin ward in Ifedore local government area in the 2020 governorship election paved way for his appointment.

While also denying allegations that he had quarrel with late governor’s son, Babajide over supply of diesel in the state, Obe alleged that Odebowale was part of the cabal that held the state budget performance down when Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was acting governor.

“I supported Akeredolu and gave him all assistance in 2020. I followed him through the campaigns so it is not true to say I was a nobody politically.

“There was no need to pay the First Lady or her son for me to be made Commissioner. It is unfortunate that Odebowale is making this vituperations days after the passing of Akeredolu.”