By Adekola Afolabi

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Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu yesterday distanced himself from a statement widely credited to him where he was said to have derided Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during the latter’s consultation visit to the State.

Akeredolu noted that belittling Osinbajo would have been the most indecent way to play politics while welcoming a visitor into the State.

Osinbajo had visited the Sunshine State few weeks ago in continuation of his consultation visits on his presidential aspiration.

Akeredolu dispelled the purported denigrating comment in a statement on Tuesday signed by his aide on Special Duties & Strategy, Dr. Doyin Odebowale.

The statement partly read: “This statement, credited to the Governor, is being circulated on social media to disparage his person. It reads thus, “When we were running around to ensure Buhari won the primaries in 2014, I sprained my ankle. My VP, Sir, you were not around. You were at the Holy Ghost night that day. You just moved from Holy Ghost Night to Aso Rock”.

“A situation which would have warranted the Governor to engage in a needless diatribe against a most respected professional colleague, friend and the number two citizen in the country would have been most unwarranted, uncharitable and disrespectful”

“The VP addressed the delegates of the State in his characteristic erudition and candour. The message delivered was well received. The aspirant stated the purpose of his visit in a most brilliant and jocular manner, regaling the audience with his signature brilliance and elocution”

“It would have been most unfortunate for anyone, let alone the host, to use this occasion to utter a statement that did not reflect the mood of the moment”

“The Governor acknowledged the contributions of Professor Yemi Osinbajo to the study and practice of Law and nation-building. He cited his case as typical of those who have benefited from uncommon divine munificence”

“He admonished politicians to always remember the role of the Almighty in the affairs of human beings. He expressed deep conviction on providence, that the Supreme Being gives power to anyone regardless of the scheming of people. He stated that if it was the will of Almighty that he would succeed President Muhammadu Buhari, nobody would stop it from coming to pass”

“The Governor did not deride or belittle the Vice President. That would have been a most unconscionable, brash and indecent way to play politics while welcoming any visitor to Ondo State, reputed for hospitality, how much more the sitting Vice President”