Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been sworn in as the seventh substantive governor of Ondo state.
Chronicle NG reports that Aiyedatiwa, who has been in acting capacity for some weeks now, was sworn in by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusola, after the demise of the former governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Aiyedatiwa, who had gone to his hometown for the Christmas break when the news of the governor’s death broke, arrived at the state capital, Akure, for the swearing-in ceremony at exactly 4 p.m.
Addressing the gathering, Aiyedatiwa, who was newly sworn in, said he accepted the onerous responsibility of taking over the reins of governance and affairs of our state following the unfortunate loss and passing of Akeredolu with a heavy heart.
While describing the devastating shock of the death of his former boss to the state, Aiyedatiwa noted that the state has been praying earnestly for his quick recovery and subsequent safe return to the state, having embarked on another medical leave on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.
According to him, “The demise of Arakunrin Akeredolu is indeed a great loss to me as an individual, as our relationship dates back many years, having closely worked with him when his gubernatorial journey started in 2012.
“The loss then did not affect our relationship as we continued to maintain close political and personal relationships, which climaxed in 2020 when he graciously picked me as his running mate for his second term as governor of Ondo State.”
Aiyedatiwa further stated that “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 criminality to the barest minimum, especially in Ondo State.
“His many legacies in the health sector, infrastructural development, education, industrial development as symbolized in the Ondo-Vinyl Industrial Hub, Ore, his innovation in the Ondo State Entrepreneurial Development Agency, his Tech Hub, etc. will be difficult to surpass.
“The events that culminated in today’s ceremony are 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 Akeredolu, 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 of which are 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.”
The governor, however, assured the people of the state that his administration would continue to advance the welfare of the people of the state.
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, Bola Tinubu, the National Chairman of our party, Abdullahi Ganduje, the leaders of the party both at the national and state levels, the elders of our state, for providing succour and support to our state at this critical time.”
