Mimiko’s Aide Oladun Morolayo Resigns

By Dipo Olowookere

These are surely not the best of times for Governor of Ondo State, Mr Olusegun Mimiko, because of recent happenings around him.

Last week, his preferred candidate for the November 26, 2016 governorship election in the state, Mr Eyitayo Jegede, could not make it to the final list of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Instead, the electoral umpire announced Mr Jimoh Ibrahim as the authentic candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the poll.

This dealt a big blow on the Governor, who had thought his former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Ondo State, Mr Jegede, would succeed him.

As if that was not enough, his aides are gradually leaving him, forcing him to lick his wound alone. In fact, they have made ‘Iroko’, as he is fondly called, be the only ‘tree’ in the forest.

On Wednesday afternoon, Mr Mimiko’s Special Assistant on Political Matters, Mrs Oladun Aderonke Morolayo, tendered her resignation letter to the Governor.

Mrs Morolayo, who hails from Odigbo local government area of the state, explained that she had to leave because Mr Mimiko chose to support Mr Jegede.

“This is to formally inform Your Excellency of my resignation from the government of Ondo State due to circumstances beyond my control.

“Your Excellency, let me also use this medium to thank and appreciate you for counting me worthy in serving the good people of Ondo State in this capacity.

“However, it must be put on record that your choice of the Central Senatorial District as your successor having spent unbroken 8 years from the same zone has caused the party the golden opportunity to win the forthcoming governorship election.

“Accept the assurances of my highest regard,” her letter read.