Ondo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Rasaq Obe, confirmed that the signature of the governor of the state, Rotimi Akeredolu, was forged.
Since returning from his medical leave, Akeredolu has been recuperating in Ibadan, Oyo Province. The letter confirming the signature forgery was released shortly after supporters of Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the state’s lieutenant Governor, sounded alarm bells over Governor Akeredolu’s signature being forged to siphon money from the state account
He reads,
“It has been confirmed that certain documents have been forged with the governor’s signature. The irregularities in the signatures were first observed when files from my ministry were returned via the Secretary’s office to the State Government (SSG). This is the only file ever returned out of 2 files sent for governor approval about 5 months ago.
Upon closer examination, I noticed a significant difference between the suspicious signature and handwriting and the governor’s known signature and handwriting in the file. Concerned about the seriousness of the situation, I decided to seek a forensic review before disclosing my findings. I sent a suspicious signature, a handwritten sample, a copy of the old normal signature to a forensic expert, and they have now confirmed that the suspicious signature and handwriting were actually forged.
Despite the inherent risks associated, I am by reporting to you this amazing development as the highest-ranking member of the State Executive Council after the Governor, I firmly believe that this is the course of action that our respected leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN and CON, will take in such situations.
Given the possibility that such forgery is widespread, this head-up is of paramount importance to the government and people of the Ondo state. I have attached a copy of the forensic report and related pages from the file for your reference.
“I strongly recommend that you treat this issue with the urgency you deserve and take appropriate action to deal with the situation. It is important for us to restore the integrity of the process and ensure that such disturbing developments are quickly interrupted