Certificate Scandal: Aiyedatiwa must come clean, Ondo APC governorship aspirant

As the governorship primary election of the All Progressive Congress in Ondo State beckons, Hon Olugbenga Edema, a leading governorship aspirant, has asked Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to clarify the allegation of certificate forgery against him.

Edema, in a statement today in Akure, said that a viral police report alleged that “the WASCE certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the year 2020 when he ran for the office of the deputy governor with the late Rotimi Akeredolu, might have been forged.

Olabanji Orogbemi, the spokesperson for the Olugbenga Edema Campaign Organisation, said that the police report revealed that Ikosi High School, Ketu, Lagos State, was established in the year 1980 and had its first admission of students in January 1980.

It continued, “That looking at the register of the school from 1979-1982, Mr. Lucky Ayedatiwa’s name was not listed in the said register during the period under review, and the school was accredited to present students for the WASCE examination in the year 1985.

“Some of the questions bothering the mind of the people of Ondo State is whether the school presented candidates for the WASCE examination in the year 1981, 1983 and 1984 preceding the year 1985 when the school authorities confirmed to the police that they presented their first set of students for the WASCE examination.

“It is therefore imperative that Governor Ayedatiwa responds to these weighty allegations, knowing that the police report has raised a prima facie evidence and that the content therein is correct unless and until rebutted by cogent and credible evidence.

“Yes, it is often being said that “silence is golden,” but in a situation like this, when you have such are weighty allegations hanging on your neck.

“Silence, as in the instant case, would amount to an admission of all the facts contained in the said report. It is like pleading “guilty ” to charges before a magistrate.

“It is in the light of the above that we charge Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa to come out clean so that this whole issue of allegations of certificate forgery can be laid to rest.

Reacting to the statement, Yomi Oyekan, the Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor (Digital Media), said in a statement, “In light of recent discussions surrounding Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State and allegations of certificate forgery, it is imperative to address the matter with clarity and objectivity.

“After a thorough examination of the Police Investigation Report and a sponsored advertisement, it becomes evident that the concerns regarding the authenticity of the Governor’s credentials are unwarranted.

“This verification unequivocally resolves any uncertainties regarding his eligibility for electoral contests.

“Despite mentions of discrepancies regarding his educational background, such inconsistencies do not invalidate his possession of the minimum requirement—a valid O/Level certificate or its equivalent.

“Legally speaking, meeting this criterion suffices, irrespective of minor factual deviations.

“The relentless scrutiny and orchestrated advertisements from opposing factions only serve to underscore Governor Aiyedatiwa’s influential stature in Ondo State politics.

“His credentials and proven track record stand as a testament to his competence, reminiscent of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s encounters with certificate-related controversies.

“As Governor Aiyedatiwa remains steadfast in his duties and reelection endeavors, his adversaries resort to desperate measures to undermine his standing.

“Nonetheless, his resilience and integrity remain unscathed, positioning him as the preeminent candidate in the electoral arena.

“In summary, it is imperative to afford Governor Aiyedatiwa the opportunity to continue his commendable governance, while detractors pursue futile attempts to tarnish his reputation.

Oyekan said, “The name “Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa” epitomises promise and steadfast leadership, and it is in this vein that his qualifications and aptitude for governance are reaffirmed.”