In the wake of the unfortunate demise of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the reins of leadership in Ondo State have been handed over to the Acting Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was sworn in as the seventh civilian governor. The solemn ceremony took place at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, with the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, administering the oath of office at precisely 5:14 pm.
Surrounded by state High Court Judges, members of the Executive Council, lawmakers, and party loyalists, Aiyedatiwa conveyed his deep sense of shock and devastation over the passing of his predecessor. He paid tribute to Governor Akeredolu, highlighting the late governor’s remarkable contributions to the state and his unwavering stance on national issues.
Reflecting on the sudden loss, Aiyedatiwa remarked, “The death of our governor is indeed a devastating shock to us all.” He expressed condolences to Akeredolu’s family, the Olowo of Owo, the people of Owo, and the entire populace of Ondo State. The Acting Governor acknowledged the monumental loss, emphasizing the profound impact Akeredolu had on his life, having collaborated closely since the late governor’s gubernatorial journey began in 2012.
Aiyedatiwa reminisced about their enduring political and personal relationship, culminating in 2020 when Akeredolu selected him as his running mate for the second term. He praised Akeredolu’s courage and commitment to truth, recounting a specific instance during a legal challenge to their second-term victory when the late governor championed the establishment of the ‘Amotekun Corps,’ a regional security initiative that significantly enhanced the security architecture in the Southwest.
The Acting Governor lauded Akeredolu’s legacies in various sectors, including health, education, infrastructural development, and industrial growth, exemplified by projects like the Ondo-Linyl Industrial Hub in Ore and the Tech Hub. Aiyedatiwa emphasized the responsibility to complete ongoing projects as a tribute to the late governor’s visionary leadership.
Amidst the solemnity of the occasion, Aiyedatiwa assured the people of Ondo State that his administration would prioritize their welfare and uphold the principles of good governance set by him. He expressed the hope that God would grant the family and the people of Ondo State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Akeredolu’s death
Meanwhile, in a separate development, Richard Olatunde, the Chief Press Secretary to the late Governor, tendered his resignation. Olatunde, who had previously served as it’s Special Assistant on New Media, cited the death of his boss as the primary reason for his decision, marking a poignant moment in the aftermath of the governor’s passing.
Source: guardian.ng
