Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state, on Tuesday, sacked all the media aides attached to the Deputy Governor of the state, with immediate effect.
This was announced in a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, who said all the affected aides should submit all government properties to the acting Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor.
The affected aides include Press Secretary to the Governor, Kenneth Odusola; Special Assistant to Governor (New Media) Okunniga Oladipupo; and Special Assistant to the Governor (Photography) Abayomi Samson Adefolalu.
The statement reads: ”All media aides appointed by the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and seconded to the office of the deputy Governor, have been relieved of their appointments.
“They are to submit all government properties to the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor.
“Similarly, the Press Crew attached to the deputy governor’s office has been disbanded.
“Consequently, all members of the Press Crew are to report back to their various ministries and stations.
“Equally, the ministry of Information and Orientation is directed to provide adequate coverage for the activities of the deputy governor office henceforth.”
However, a source within the government disclosed that the aides were sacked as a result of insubordination and flagrance disregard for the appropriate authority.
According to the source, “the deputy Governor’s photographer openly abused the governor on his WhatsApp status, and the screenshot is with the governor’s people.
“The Deputy Governor press secretary was investigated and findings has it that he had engaged in planting some stories against the governor.”
The aides were relieved of their appointments barely a week after the return of the governor Akeredolu to Nigeria from his medical vacation.