The Aketi Legacy Movement has sounded the alarm regarding the sudden retirement of Kayode Ogundele, the Head of Service of Ondo State, by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. This move has sparked concerns that it is part of a larger plan to erase the legacy of the late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu from the state.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa has approved Ogundele’s retirement with immediate effect and appointed Bayo Philip as the Acting Head of Service. However, the Aketi Legacy Movement, in a statement signed by Yomi Ayodele, believes that this decision is a deliberate attempt to erase Akeredolu’s legacy.
The group argues that the official statement from the governor’s spokesperson is misleading, as it implies that Ogundele voluntarily resigned or reached retirement age, when in fact, he was sacked by Governor Aiyedatiwa at the age of 57 after serving for only 30 years. This abrupt decision has raised concerns about the erosion of the late governor’s legacy.
Furthermore, the group highlights the replacement of Ogundele, an Ikare man, with Bayo Philips, an Ilaje man, as the new Head of Service, suggesting that this decision was influenced by regional considerations. In response, Adeniyan defended the decision, stating that it was made to improve the performance of the civil service.
The controversy surrounding Ogundele’s retirement underscores the political dynamics at play in Ondo State and raises questions about the future direction of the state under Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership. As the Aketi Legacy Movement continues to advocate for transparency and accountability in governance, the people of Ondo State remain vigilant about the preservation of their late governor’s legacy.
