A recent forensic report by the Association of Forensic Professionals of Nigeria (AFPON) has unveiled a forgery of the signature of the ailing Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, on an official document. The report, signed by Mr. Nuhu Kutana Tanko, reveals significant differences between known specimen handwritings/signatures and the questioned signatures on the document in question, suggesting a case of forgery.

The investigation was initiated by the State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Razaq Obe, who brought attention to the forgery in a letter to Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The commissioner noted irregularities in the governor's signature upon the return of a ministry file, prompting a closer inspection that confirmed the forgery. In the letter, he stressed the importance of immediate action and attached a copy of the forensic report for reference.

Governor Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, has faced health challenges since January 2023, undergoing treatment abroad for leukemia, a type of blood cancer. Despite returning to Nigeria in September, he has been holed up in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The current health status of the governor remains undisclosed.

The commissioner's letter emphasizes the need to address the forgery promptly, considering the potential widespread nature of such malpractices. The attached forensic report highlights dissimilarities in handwriting characteristics between known and questioned signatures. The examiner concludes that the author of the known specimen handwritings/signatures did not write the questioned handwritings on the document in question, raising concerns about the integrity of official processes.

As the situation unfolds, the commissioner urges urgent actions to restore the integrity of governmental processes and deal with this disturbing development. The revelation adds a layer of complexity to Governor Akeredolu's already challenging second term, marked by health concerns and calls from opposition parties for him to resign or transfer power to his deputy in accordance with the constitution.

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