The family of the late governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has publicly distanced itself from the endorsement of a Social Democratic Party candidate by his younger brother, Olufemi Akeredolu.
They described the move as a personal decision that does not reflect the family’s views or stance.
It was reported earlier that Olufemi Akeredolu, the younger brother of the late governor, declared his support for the SDP candidate, Bamidele Akingboye, during an event in Akure, the state capital, on Thursday.
In a press statement released on Friday, the family head, Professor Oluwole Akeredolu, stated unequivocally that the endorsement does not represent the family’s position.
“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,” the statement read.
The family acknowledged Olufemi’s involvement with the SDP but clarified that his actions were his own and did not represent the Akeredolu family.
“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,” it added.
Meanwhile, Olufemi earlier explained that his support for Akingboye is based on the candidate’s vision to develop Ondo State’s underutilised resources, particularly the Ondo Seaport, which he described as a potential major economic driver.
