The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources in Ondo State, Razak Obe, has raised serious concerns, alleging that the signature of the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, was forged on a particular document. In a letter dated December 7, addressed to the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Obe explained that the irregularities came to light when a file from his ministry was returned with notable disparities in the governor’s signature.
Obe detailed in the letter that he observed significant differences in the suspicious signature and handwriting on the document compared to Governor Akeredolu’s known signatures and handwriting. To validate his discovery, the commissioner sought the expertise of a forensic expert who confirmed that the governor’s signature had indeed been forged.
Expressing concern over the gravity of the situation, Obe decided to report the matter to the deputy governor, urging immediate action. He emphasized the need to investigate the potential widespread nature of such forgery and attached the forensic report and relevant pages from the file as evidence.
“The irregularities in the signature were first observed when a file from my ministry was returned through the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). This is the only file that has been returned so far out of the five files that were sent for Mr. Governor’s approval about two months ago.
“Upon closer inspection, I noticed significant differences between the suspicious signature and handwriting and Mr. Governor’s known signatures and handwriting in the file.
“Concerned about the gravity of the situation, I decided to seek a forensic review before disclosing my discovery. 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,” he stated.
It is worth noting that Governor Akeredolu has been absent from the state since June, citing medical reasons. Despite his return to Nigeria after a three-month medical leave in Germany, the governor has remained in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
