The departed Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN
The family of the departed Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has distanced itself from the endorsement of the Social Democratic Party candidate in tomorrow’s governorship election by his younger brother, Olufemi Akeredolu.
They described the move as a personal decision that does not reflect the family’s views or stance.
Olufemi Akeredolu, the younger brother of the departed governor, had on Thursday in Akure the state capital, declared his support for the SDP candidate, Mr Bamidele Akingboye.
But in a statement on Friday, the family head, Prof Oluwole Akeredolu, said that the endorsement does not represent the family’s position.
The statement said: “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 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.
Olufemi had explained that his support for Akingboye was 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.
Olufemi, along with a group known as ASEI Human Rights of Nigeria, had endorsed the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Bamidele Akingboye.
“I am the youngest brother of the late Oluwafemi Akeredolu, same father, same mother. Our family is known for being truthful and decisive. My brother, known as ‘talk and do,’ was a dedicated APC member, but this election is not about the party,” he stated.
He criticized party politics, arguing, “Sometimes, parties pick candidates who are unfit for office. It’s time we vote for individuals based on competence, not party loyalty.”
He noted that the port, one of the state’s most promising assets, remains undeveloped despite its potential as a major economic driver.
“Ondo State’s seaport is one of the deepest, capable of accommodating large vessels. My brother obtained the port certificate before he passed, but progress has stalled. Now, we’re being promised that it will be handed over to a foreigner. We can’t let that happen. Ondo State needs change, and that’s why we’re endorsing SDP and Akingboye,” he emphasized.
