Kehinde Fajobi
The family of the late Ondo State governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has disassociated itself from the endorsement of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Bamidele Akingboye, by the governor’s younger brother, Olufemi Akeredolu.
In a statement on Friday, the family head, Professor Oluwole Akeredolu, clarified that the endorsement was Olufemi’s personal decision and not the official stance of the family.
“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 association with the SDP but emphasised that he acted independently.
“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,” the statement added.
Olufemi Akeredolu had earlier declared his support for Akingboye during an event in Akure on Thursday, citing the candidate’s vision to harness Ondo State’s underutilised resources, particularly the Ondo Seaport, as a major economic driver.
He stated, “My support for Mr Bamidele Akingboye is based on his plans to develop the seaport and bring economic growth to Ondo State.”
The family, however, reiterated that Olufemi’s actions were personal and not representative of their collective position.