Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved the appointment of Engr. Razaq Obe as the new Director-General of the Public Procurement and Infrastructure Management Unit (PPIMU) in Ondo State, succeeding Mr. Babajide Akeredolu, the son of the late former governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.
The appointment was part of a fresh wave of designations announced by the Governor on Saturday to strengthen governance and accelerate delivery under his administration’s OUR EASE development agenda.
Obe Succeeds Late Governor’s Son
Obe’s appointment marks a significant appointment in one of the state’s most strategic offices.
Babajide Akeredolu’s appointment in 2021 as DG, PPMIU, during his father’s administration was trailed by controversy, with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) describing the move as nepotistic and “a flagrant abuse of office.”
The position became vacant after the demise of the late governor and the subsequent reorganization of key government units.
Aiyedatiwa, in his new list, also appointed several Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, and members of the Ondo State Law Commission, signaling a broader effort to consolidate his team and improve service delivery.
A Whistleblower Returns to the System
Engr. Razaq Obe, who now takes over the PPMIU, is widely regarded as one of the most outspoken technocrats from the Akeredolu’s administration.
As Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources in 2023, Obe made national headlines when he exposed the forgery of the late governor’s signature on an official document while Akeredolu was ill.
In a letter addressed to then–Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa, Obe wrote:
“I write to call your attention to a critical matter that has been confirmed; the signature of Mr. Governor on a certain document has been forged.”
He explained that forensic experts confirmed the forgery after a detailed analysis, a revelation that stirred outrage and debates over the integrity of governance at the time.
Legal luminary Kayode Ajulo (SAN) and now the Attorney General of the state later corroborated the claim, alleging that a “cabal” had hijacked decision-making during Akeredolu’s medical absence.
Despite the risks, Obe stood by his findings — earning him a reputation for courage and integrity in the face of political pressure.
‘Back in the Vortex of Public Service’
Confirming his new appointment, Razaq Obe took to his Facebook page to express gratitude to Governor Aiyedatiwa, writing:
“Back in the vortex of public service as DG, Performance and Project Implementation Monitoring Unit (PPIMIU). Thank you, Gov. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for tapping me to drive effectiveness, efficiency, and speed in service delivery to the people of Ondo State.”
His return to government service is being interpreted by political observers as symbolic — a redemption arc for a man once seen as a whistleblower and now trusted to uphold transparency in the state’s procurement and project monitoring system.
Aiyedatiwa’s Reform Message
Governor Aiyedatiwa, while unveiling the new appointees, charged them to bring innovation, diligence, and integrity to governance. He emphasized that his administration’s OUR EASE agenda is anchored on effectiveness, accessibility, and sustainable growth.
Analysts say Obe’s appointment sends a clear message — that the Aiyedatiwa government is prioritizing merit, transparency, and performance over loyalty or political lineage.
