The acting governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has been inaugurated as the 7th substantive Governor of Ondo State.
According to Kanyi Daily, Aiyedatiwa who had been serving in an acting capacity for several weeks, was inaugurated by the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola, after the demise of the former governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Aiyedatiwa, who was away in his hometown for the Christmas break when the governor’s demise was announced, reached the state capital, Akure, precisely at 4 pm for the swearing-in ceremony.
Addressing those present after being sworn in, Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the weighty responsibility of assuming governance and state affairs following Akeredolu’s unfortunate passing, expressing the burden with a heavy heart.
Describing his former boss’s death as a devastating shock to the state, Aiyedatiwa mentioned the community’s fervent prayers for the governor’s swift recovery and safe return, despite his departure on another medical leave on December 13, 2023.
According to him, “The demise of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON is indeed a great loss to me as an individual as our relationship dated back to many years ago, having closely worked with him when his gubernatorial journey started in the Year 2012.
“The loss then did not affect our relationship as we continued to maintain close political and personal relationship which climaxed in Year 2020 when he graciously picked me as his running mate for his Second Term as Governor of Ondo State.”
Aiyedatiwa said “Governor Akeredolu was a man of courage and conviction who always stood for the truth even at his detriment.
“I remember vividly when we had a case in court challenging our Second Term victory. He still pursued the matter of emplacing a strong security network for the people of the Southwest codenamed ‘Amotekun Corps’
“The People of Ondo State and the entire people of the Southwest will be eternally grateful for this bold act which has greatly improved the security architecture in the Region and reduced incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and other acts of criminalities to the barest minimum especially in Ondo State
“His many legacies in the health sector, infrastructural development, education, industrial developmesymbolizedolised in the Ondo-Vinyl Industrial Hub, Ore, his innovation in Ondo State Entrepreneurial Development Agency, his Tech Hub, etc will be difficult to surpass.
“The events which culminated in today’s ceremony is a watershed in the history of Ondo State as this is the first time we are having a transition in an administration.
“Today’s event has placed a burden on all of us to pull together and stay together as one because we have the onerous responsibility to continue to sustain the legacies of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, which was good governance, properly called.
“Our leader and Governor, during his time embarked upon several landmark projects, many of which have been completed and several ones ongoing. We now have the responsibility to complete them. It is to the credit of Arakunrin Akeredolu, that the State now has a flyover in Ore, while the one in Akure is ongoing.
“It is necessary for us to acknowledge with pride the wonderful achievements and legacies of Arakunrin Akeredolu. His records of performance are monumental and unprecedented.”
However, the governor assured the people of the state that his administration would persist in advancing their welfare and well-being
He said, “We shall always place the people first in every decision we take. It is my prayer, once more, that God Almighty shall grant the family and the people of Ondo State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss
“Let me use this opportunity to convey our deep appreciation to Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the National Chairman of our party, His Excellency Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, the leaders of the party both at the National and State levels, the elders of our State, for providing succor and support to our State at this critical time.”
Kanyi Daily recalls that Lucky Aiyedatiwa returned to Ondo State following his recent meeting with Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
