Tension heightened on Saturday night, at the Ondo State Government House, in Alagbaka, Akure, the State capital, after the Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, was prevented from leaving the State Government House by the Commissioner of Police, CP, Salami Bolaji, Page 36 learnt.
It was gathered that the Security Operatives were acting on the order of the Governor of the State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The Deputy Governor was alleged to have stolen government properties from his lodge, in a bid to take them to his personal house within the State capital.
It was however, learnt that the move against Ajayi, is connected to his planned defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which is expected to take place on Sunday, today, ahead of the Governorship election in the State.
According to reports, the Deputy Governor was seen exchanging words with the Commissioner of Police at the gate of the Government House, as he was prevented from leaving the premises.
He said that it was unfortunate that the Police were being used in the ongoing political battle in the State.
Meanwhile, reacting to the allegations on Sunday, Governor Akeredolu through his Chief Press Secretary, Segun Ajiboye, described the report as a complete falsehood, intended to play victim by the principal actors involved.
He said that it is a made up lie meant to discredit him, alleging that he directed the Police Commissioner to restrain the Deputy Governor from leaving the Government House.
He explained that it was a time-tested code in government’s business for Officials to take inventory of offices and quarters, before and after an Official is moving in or out of offices or quarters.
Governor Akeredolu maintained that it became worrisome and suspicious when Aides of the Deputy Governor insisted on leaving the premises with items wrapped, as late as 11pm.
The Governor said that the CP’s intervention is most desirable to restore law and order.
His Aide said: “Governor Akeredolu reiterates his commitment to the rights of all, including the Deputy Governor.
“But he has a duty to be firm and dispassionate in exercising the roles assigned to him.”