Ondo State’s Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Razaq Obe, today Friday, alleged that in relation to some official documents for his ministry, there had been forgery of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s signature.
Obe raised the alarm in a letter sent to the state Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
According to Obe, the irregularities in the signature of the Governor were first noticed in a file for the ministry returned through the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Princess Oladuni Odu.
The Commissioner alleged that the file was the only one returned from the five files sent for Akeredolu’s approval two months earlier.
Obe’s 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.”
