Ondo Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been sworn in as the State’s substantive Executive Governor following Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s demise.
The Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odosola administered the oath of office at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s office in Akure, Ondo state capital.
Present to witness the swearing-in ceremony were top Judges in the state, government officials and politicians.
In his first address, the newly sworn-in Governor of Ondo State eulogised the legacy left behind by the late governor.
“It is with a heavy heart that I accept this onerous responsibility of taking over the reins of governance and affairs of our State following the unfortunate loss and passing of our beloved Governor, leader and dear boss, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON.
The death of our Governor is indeed a devastating shock to us all, as we have all been praying earnestly for his quick recovery and subsequent safe return to Ondo State, having embarked on another medical leave on Wednesday, 13th December 2023. Indeed, there is no armour against fate, death lays his icy hand on kings.
Permit me to use this opportunity to condole with the immediate and extended family of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, the king of Owo, (the governor’s hometown), the people of Owo and indeed the entire people of Ondo State over this monumental loss.
The demise of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is indeed a great loss to me as an individual as our relationship dates back many years ago, having closely worked with him when his gubernatorial journey started in Year 2012. The loss then did not affect our relationship as we continued to maintain a 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.
Governor Akeredolu was a man of courage and conviction who always stood for the truth even to his own detriment. I remember vividly during the time 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, and industrial development as symbolised in the Ondo-Linyl Industrial Hub, Ore, his innovation in Ondo State Entrepreneurial Development Agency, his Tech Hub, etc will be difficult to surpass.
Ladies and gentlemen, I want to urge the people of Ondo State to continue to remember us in their prayers as we continue to place good governance in our dear State.
May God continue to bless the people of Ondo State.
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The Late Ondo State governor Rotimi Akeredolu was a Nigerian lawyer and politician who served as governor of the State from 24 February 2017 to 27 December 2023. He died after a protracted illness at the age of 67. He was governor under the platform of the All Progressives Congress party.
Emmanuel Ukoh
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