Commissioner for energy and mineral resources in Ondo State Rasaq Obe has debunked the allegation that he paid to be nominated as commissioner by the late ex-governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Akeredolu’s former senior special assistant on special duties and strategies Doyin Odebowale made the allegation in an interview.
Reacting to the allegation, Mr Obe said he was rewarded for helping Akeredolu emerge victorious in Ilara Mokin ward in Ifedore Local Government Area in the 2020 governorship election.
He also debunked allegations that he quarrelled with Akeredolu’s son Babajide over supply of diesel in the state.
Obe said: “I supported Akeredolu and gave him all assistance in 2020. I followed him through the campaigns so it is not true to say I was a nobody politically. There was no need to pay the First Lady or her son for me to be made commissioner.
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“It is unfortunate that Odebowale is making this vituperations days after the passing of Akeredolu.
“There was nothing to quarrel about between Babajide and I. I never supplied diesel to any part of the state.”
Obe claimed Odebowale was part of the cabal that held the state budget performance down when Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was acting governor.
The commissioner said he joined politics as a multi-millionaire, having worked and retired in ExxonMobil.
He said Odebowale was part of the persons that benefitted from Akeredolu’s illness until his death.
Obe earlier raised alarm over alleged forgery of Akeredolu’s signature while the latter was sick and undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.
He said petitions have been sent to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for action.
