The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been inaugurated as Governor of State following the death of Governor Rotimi Akerelodu.
Akeredolu died in Germany at the age of 67 on Wednesday after a long battle with prostate cancer. The Chief Judge of Ondo state, Justice Olusegun Odusola swore in Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the seventh civilian governor of the state.
Aiyedatiwa was sworn in at the governor’s office in Akure at exactly 4.15pm on Wednesday, a few hours after the death of Rotimi Akeredolu.
Present at the ceremony include the Speaker of the state House of Assembly Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, members of the assembly, the secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu and the state chairman of the ruling party APC, Ade Adetimehin.
Others include members of the EXCO, political office holders and other party members. In his address, governor Aiyedatiwa described the death of Governor Akeredolu as unfortunate.
Aiyedatiwa said, “The death of our governor and leader was a devastating shock to the people of the state. It’s a colossal loss to the state.
He condoled with the governor’s family, the traditional ruler of Owo and the people of the state. The people of South West will be eternally grateful to him for the establishment of Amotekun which has reduced the menace of banditry, kidnapping and other criminality in the region.
Aiyedatiwa promised to complete all ongoing projects left behind by Akeredolu adding that his record of Performance is monumental and unprecedented.
Recalled that Late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s death was formally announced by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju.
In the statement, the commissioner said, “Mr. Governor peacefully departed from this world in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 27, 2023. This tragedy has left behind a profound void in our hearts.
“Governor Akeredolu answered the eternal call while receiving medical treatment in Germany. He succumbed to complications arising from protracted prostate cancer.”
Aiyedatiwa was the deputy governor until Wednesday, December 13 when power was formally transferred to him after Akeredolu went on another medical vacation.
