Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, today, was sworn-in as the seventh governor of Ondo State, after completing the second term of his immediate predecessor and boss, late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), who died in office.
His inauguration as the Governor of Ondo State commences his first full four-year term.
Aiyedatiwa was sworn in at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure, the state capital, two months after Aiyedatiwa won the governorship election under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The new governor, who took his oath of office shortly after his running mate Olayide Adelami was sworn in, thereafter, rode in an open van around the complex, waving to cheers from supporters.
In his acceptance speech to lead the state in the next four years, Aiyedatiwa expressed deep sorrow that his predecessor, and political godfather, Akeredolu, was not alive to witness his swearing-in ceremony.
Paying tribute to Akeredolu’s visionary leadership and tireless efforts in developing the state, Aiyedatiwa said, “Permit me to express special gratitude to my immediate predecessor, our visionary leader, the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, who worked tirelessly to develop our state for about seven years before he took a glorious bow to join the Saints Triumphant. We must not forget this courageous and personable leader who literally emptied himself in the service of Ondo State and Nigeria. His legacy continues to inspire us to build upon the foundations he laid.”
Aiyedatiwa acknowledged that Akeredolu’s public and prophetic declaration at the inauguration ceremony four years ago, where he was sworn in for a second term, set the tone for his eventual emergence as governor, lamenting that Akeredolu was not alive to witness the fulfillment of what he had foretold.
“I am particularly indebted to him for choosing me as his Deputy and for his public and undisguised prophetic declaration at about this time, on this same podium, four years ago. That declaration must be appreciated for setting the tone for me as his successor to the office of Governor”, he added.
He noted, “I must say that I am deeply pained that this great leader who saw tomorrow is not here with us to witness and savor this auspicious occasion, which marks the fulfillment of what God spoke through him. May the gentle soul of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, continue to rest in peace (Amen).”
Aiyedatiwa described the moment as a crucial point in the state’s history, reflecting on the struggles of the past, the sacrifices of heroes and the resilience of the people stressing, “This moment is very pivotal in our history as a people. It reminds us of the struggles of our past, the sacrifices of our heroes, and the resilience of our people.”
