The Special Adviser to the former Ondo state governor on union matters and special duties, Dare Aragbaiye and the Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, have resigned from their appointments.

Aragbaye in a letter addressed to the Secretary to the State Government SSG, dated December 27, said he was resigning because of the death of the governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

The letter reads ”l write to refer to the subject above and to resign my appointment as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties with effect from today, Wednesday, 27 December, 2023

“My decision to resign is based on the unfortunate death of my Principal a fearless and honest leader, Governor Arakunm Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN CON, whom I am loyal to oven in death.

“I sincerely thank his excellency for the opportunity granted me to serve in his administration as a member of the State Executive Council first as a Head of Service and now, Special Adviser.

Aragbaiye wqs considered as the second governor during the reign of Akeredolu, and especially during the period of the late governor's sickness.

He was alleged to be in charge of the state, in the absence of Akeredolu, alongside the immediate past first lady, Betty Akeredolu.

He is a very trusted ally to the late governor, representing him at topnotch functions while the Deputy Governor, now Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented Akeredolu, mostly in parties.

Also, the CPS to the governor, Richard Olatunde, in a letter dated Wednesday 27, said that his resignation was hinged on ” the unfortunate and untimely death of our leader, principal, and father figure, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Olatunde’s letter reads “It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I tender my resignation as the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, effective from today, Wednesday 27, 2023.

“My decision to resign from office is hinged on the unfortunate and untimely death of our leader, principal, and father figure, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.

“Throughout my tenure as the Chief Press Secretary, I was fortunate to witness firsthand exceptional qualities of Governor Akeredolu. His courage, truthfulness, and honesty were unrivaled, and they served as a constant source of inspiration for me.

“His leadership and dedication to the development of our state ignited within me a drive and passion to serve and contribute my quota to the progress of our beloved state."