Otaloro Says No Crisis Between Governor And Deputy, Urges Media To Uphold Verification Standards
The Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Public Engagement, Steve Bayode Otaloro, has called on the public to disregard what he described as “unverified claims” in a recent Roving Reporters publication alleging friction between Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and his Deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami.
Otaloro said the report relied heavily on unnamed sources, speculation and assertions that the publication itself admitted could not be independently verified.
He warned that presenting such material as fact risks creating a false impression of instability within the state government.
*—“I Am Not Aware Of Any Crisis”—*
In a statement issued to journalists on Wednesday, Otaloro said he has no knowledge of any rift between the governor and his deputy.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I am not aware of any crisis between Governor Aiyedatiwa and his Deputy,” he stated.
“From my interactions and observations within the administration, both leaders remain focused on their respective responsibilities and the collective interest of Ondo State.”
He noted that while political disagreements and differing opinions are normal in a democracy, building a narrative of crisis around unverified claims does not serve the government or the people.
—Call For Responsible Journalism—
Otaloro, who recently joined the governor’s media team, stressed the need for professional standards in reporting on governance and public officials.
“As a media and public engagement practitioner, I believe strongly that journalism must be anchored on accuracy, verification, fairness and accountability,” he said.
He acknowledged the importance of press freedom but added that it comes with responsibility.
“Such freedom comes with a corresponding responsibility to distinguish between verified facts, legitimate analysis and speculation.”
According to him, the Roving Reporters publication was “unfortunate and misleading” because it elevated speculation into conclusions about the stability of government.
—Administration Remains Focused—
Otaloro urged members of the public to exercise caution when consuming reports based substantially on anonymous sources.
“Allegations that cannot be independently verified should not be elevated into conclusions about the stability of government,” he said.
He maintained that the Aiyedatiwa administration remains committed to governance and service delivery.
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“The administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa remains focused on governance and the delivery of its mandate to the people of Ondo State,” Otaloro concluded.
The clarification comes amid heightened political commentary in the state ahead of key policy rollouts by the Aiyedatiwa-led government.
