Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayide Adelami, has described as false a purported report making the rounds of an ongoing rift between him and his principal, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

According to Adelami, there was no time he was denied access to his official residence over any disagreement with the governor, stressing that he never stayed in a ramshackle hotel.

While faulting an online publication, the deputy governor, in a statement by his press secretary, John Akinduro, urged the public to disregard rumours of dissatisfaction between him and Aiyedatiwa as he reaffirmed his loyalty.

He said, “We just read in utmost bewilderment a blatant falsehood on the purported ‘political struggle’ between the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayide Adelami, mni, and his principal, His Excellency Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

“For the sake of well-meaning residents and lovers of Ondo State, Dr. Adelami and his boss share an abiding bond and mutual respect, so significant that detractors had to make up this lie to create public mistrust and satisfy their ungodly appetite. Dr. Adelami has often demonstrated that his loyalty to his principal remains absolute.

“We must state categorically that the deputy governor does not stay in a ‘ramshackle hotel’ and was never, at any time, denied access to his lodge. These lies only exist in the imagination of the anti-democratic elements peddling such.

“Recall that Mr Governor, on assuming office, decided to facelift the official residence of the deputy governor. As we write, the lodge is ready.

“In point of fact, the deputy governor, either in public or private, speaks glowingly of his principal for his unwavering commitment to democratic ideals and his amiable disposition.

“We, therefore, ask that peddlers of tales of division and hatred eschew bitterness and join hands with the forward-thinking government of His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, a man helped by God to actualise the Ondo state of our dreams.”