The family of the immediate-past governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has refuted claims of endorsing any candidate ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
In a statement signed by the head of the family, Prof. Oluwole Akeredolu, on Friday, the family clarified its neutral stance following reports suggesting an endorsement by one of the ex-governor’s brothers, Olufemi Akeredolu, in favour of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Bamidele Akingboye.
He emphasized that while Olufemi Akeredolu has the personal right to support any candidate, such an endorsement does not represent the collective position of the Akeredolu family.
The clarification comes amid Oluwafemi Akeredolu’s endorsement of Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Bamidele Akingboye during a press briefing in Akure, where he urged voters to consider integrity over party loyalty.
However, the Akeredolu family urged the public and media to disregard any claims suggesting the family’s alignment with a particular candidate, reiterating their neutrality in the electoral process.
The statement reads, “The Akeredolu Family of Owo, Ondo State is constrained to respond to reports and speculations in the mainstream and online media of the alleged support of the Family for the Social Democratic Party in the forthcoming Ondo State Elections.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Professor Oluwole Akeredolu (the immediate younger brother of the recently departed Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu) is the head of the Akeredolu Family and solely authorised to speak on behalf of the Family.
“Neither he nor any of the principal members of the Family has declared support for the SDP. The Akeredolu Family has not declared any such support.
“We are not unaware of the activities of Olufemi Akeredolu (the youngest of the brothers of the immediate past Governor of Ondo State) and his association with the SDP. He is an adult, an individual with an inalienable right to freedom of association. He does not speak for the Family, neither is he authorised to do so.”