By Our Reporter
Ondo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Razaq Obe, on Friday, alleged forgery of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s signature on official documents about his ministry.
Obe, in a letter sent to the state Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, a copy which was obtained by news men, portrayed the irregularities in the signature of the governor were first observed when a file from my ministry was returned through the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Princess Oladuni Odu.
The commissioner noted that the file was the only one that has been returned so far out of the five files that were sent for Mr. Governor’s approval about two months ago.
He said, “Upon closer inspection, I noticed significant differences between the suspicious signature and handwriting and Mr. Governor’s known signatures and handwriting in the file.
He added that based on concerns about the gravity of the situation, he decided to seek a forensic review before disclosing his discovery.
The letter read: ”I write to bring to your attention a critical matter that requires immediate action. It has been confirmed that the signature of Mr. Governor on a certain document has been forged.
“I sent the suspicious signature, handwriting samples, and copies of the old regular signatures to forensic experts, who have now confirmed that the suspicious signature and handwriting were indeed forged.
“Despite the inherent risks involved, I have chosen to fulfil the obligations of my office by reporting this alarming development to you as the highest-ranking member of the State Executive Council after Mr. Governor. I firmly believe that this is the course of action our esteemed leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, would take in such a situation.
“Considering the possibility that such forgery may be widespread, this heads-up is of utmost importance to the government and people of Ondo State. I have attached a copy of the forensic report and relevant pages from the file for your reference.
“I urge you to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves and take appropriate actions to address the situation. We must restore the integrity of our processes and ensure that such a disturbing development is swiftly punctuated.”