A burgeoning political crisis in Ondo State is unfolding as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa finds himself entangled in accusations of certificate forgery, casting doubt on his fitness to lead the state.
The Ondo State Redemption Initiative (OSRI), a social-political group, has taken a stand against Governor Aiyedatiwa, asserting that his educational claims are fraudulent, making him unsuitable for the role of leadership.
In a statement released on Monday, OSRI, through its president Adebayo Ogunsanmi, secretary Jide Oriola, and publicity secretary Sunday Ayeni, alleged that Aiyedatiwa’s educational background has been exposed as questionable.
The group’s investigation revealed discrepancies in Aiyedatiwa’s curriculum vitae, specifically in his claim of obtaining an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Ibadan in 2001. According to OSRI, no such diploma program was available at the University of Ibadan during that time.
Presenting Aiyedatiwa’s academic records, the group traced his educational journey back to his primary schooling at Saint Peter’s UNA (now FAC) Primary School in Obe Nla/Obe Adun, Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State, from 1970 to 1976. He continued his education at Ikosi High School in Ketu, Lagos State, completing his secondary education in 1982.
In 1986, Aiyedatiwa obtained his Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Government at Lagos State College of Education (now Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education) located in Ijanikin, Lagos. The group questioned the authenticity of his claim to have earned an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Ibadan in 2001, followed by an alleged affiliation with Lagos Business School – Pan Atlantic University, situated in Lekki, Lagos, where the specific year and course of study were omitted.
As the allegations of certificate forgery gain momentum, Ondo State is on the brink of a political storm, with the governor’s credibility under intense scrutiny.
