Doyin Odebowale Unveils Insights into Late Governor’s Family Dynamics
In a recent interview with media personnel Segun Olawoye, Doyin Odebowale, the former Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties and Strategy to late Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, made startling revelations about the former governor’s alleged weakness in managing matters involving his wife, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu.
Odebowale, who claimed a friendship of over 30 years with Akeredolu and played a significant role in crafting campaign materials for the late governor during his unsuccessful 2012 governorship bid, asserted that Akeredolu was notably feeble when it came to handling issues related to his spouse.
During the interview, Odebowale disclosed that he was the last person to convince Akeredolu to contest for governor in 2011, despite objections from friends who considered Akeredolu an irascible individual. The former aide also expressed dissatisfaction with how Anyanwu-Akeredolu was recorded accusing Olubunmi Ademosu, the late governor’s special adviser on public and inter-governmental relations, of administering concoctions to manage Akeredolu’s health.
Odebowale strongly criticized the influence of first ladies, stating, “No office as the office of the First Lady. Aketi shouldn’t have allowed it.”
Addressing rumors surrounding the delayed announcement of Akeredolu’s death, Odebowale clarified that he learned of the governor’s passing only when inundated with calls seeking confirmation. He highlighted that Akeredolu’s immediate younger brother, Prof Wole Akeredolu, was the last person to speak with the late governor on Christmas Day before his demise.
Responding to speculations about his early resignation and potential hidden motives, Odebowale denied any financial impropriety and emphasized his decision was driven by love and loyalty to his late boss. He asserted that, with Akeredolu’s passing, he felt he could no longer maintain the same level of commitment and support.
Odebowale, along with other key figures including Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing Aminu Raimi and Special Assistant on Photography Olawale Abolade, resigned following Governor Akeredolu’s death in Germany on Wednesday