Ondo: Drama As EFCC Detains Gov Aiyedatiwa’s Major Opponent

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Wale Akinterinwa, an Ondo State gubernatorial aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

His detention is in connection with an ongoing investigation into his tenure as Commissioner for Finance during the previous Akeredolu administration.

Akinterinwa, who served as Commissioner for over seven years until Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa dissolved the State Executive Council following the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s tenure, is reportedly under scrutiny for alleged mismanagement of billions of Naira.

Akinterinwa is the major opponent of Governor Aiyedatiwa in the primary election as he seeks to emerge the next Governor of the state in the coming election. While detained, Akinterinwa participated in the direct primary over the weekend, prompting the EFCC to clarify that the timing of his detention was solely at their discretion.

A source disclosed that the EFCC had previously invited Akinterinwa for questioning over the alleged financial mismanagement, but he was unable to attend due to prior commitments. However, he voluntarily presented himself at the EFCC’s office on Thursday.

To avoid influencing Akinterinwa’s chances in the APC primary, the EFCC chose not to publicize his detention initially.

A confidential source stated, “In the past few weeks, the EFCC invited Akinterinwa for interrogation on the red flag on some issues during his tenure as Commissioner for Finance. But he has not been forthcoming.

“The commission had the option to declare him wanted, but it exercised restraint to avoid being dragged into politics because he was an aspirant for the APC governorship primary.

“But Akinterinwa voluntarily reported to the EFCC in Abuja. He was taken into custody for quizzing.”

The source reiterated that Akinterinwa’s detention is unrelated to politics and emphasized that he voluntarily responded to the overdue invitation.