The Acting Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, was, Wednesday, sworn in as the substantive governor of the state, hours after his former boss and predecessor, Arakunrin Olurotimi Akeredolu succumbed to prostate cancer in Germany.
Ayedatiwa, after the swearing-in ceremony, said he took the mantle of leadership with a heavy heart.
He was sworn in as the seventh governor of the state at an elaborate ceremony at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s office by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusile.
The event was witnessed by hundreds of people.
Accepting the new role fate has throne on his shoulders, the new governor assured the people of the state that their welfare would be the utmost priority of his new administration.
On the death of his principal, Ayedatiwa said: ‘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, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.
“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, December 13, 2023. Indeed, there is no armour against fate; death lays his icy hand on kings.”
Continuing, he said: “Permit me to use this opportunity to condole with the immediate and extended family of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the Olowo of Owo, the people of Owo, and indeed the entire people of Ondo State over this monumental loss.
“The demise of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo 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.
“Governor Akeredolu was a man of courage and conviction who always stood for the truth, even at his detriment. I remember vividly 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 criminality to the barest minimum, especially in Ondo State.
“His many legacies in the health sector, infrastructural development, education, industrial development as symbolised in the Ondo-Linyl 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.
He stated further “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 Oluwarotimi Odunayo 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.
“I want to assure the people of Ondo State that under my watch, this administration shall continue to advance the welfare of the people. 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, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the National Chairman of our party, His Excellency Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, the leaders of the party both at the national and state levels, and the elders of our state, for providing succour and support to our state at this critical time.
“I want to urge the people of Ondo State to continue to remember us in their prayers as we continue to emplace good governance in our dear state. May God continue to bless the people of Ondo State.”
Meanwhile, Ayedatiwa has declared three days of mourning in honour of the late governor of the state, Akeredolu. The mourning period commences on Thursday, December 28, 2023, during which the national flag will be flown at half-mast.
