AKURE, Nigeria —In a swift political transition following the demise of Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been sworn in as the new governor. The swearing-in ceremony took place at 5:15 pm on Wednesday, December 28, 2023 at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office.
Chief Judge of Ondo State, Olusegun Odusola, administered the oath of office in the presence of state dignitaries and political figures.
Aiyedatiwa, who served as deputy governor until December 13, assumed gubernatorial responsibilities after Akeredolu took a medical leave.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities including Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji; APC State Chairman, Ade Adetimehin; Secretary to the State Government, Oladunni Odu; Chief of Staff, Olugbenga Ale; former Deputy Governor Lasisi Oluboyo, and former State Assembly Speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun David.
In a sombre reflection of the state’s loss, Governor Aiyedatiwa declared a three-day mourning period to honour the late Akeredolu, who passed away after battling prostate cancer.
Akeredolu, 67, died in a German hospital, leaving a leadership and public service legacy. The mourning, involving fasting and prayer, is set from December 28 to December 30, 2023, with national flags flying at half-mast for seven days.
According to Ebenezer Adeniyan, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Aiyedatiwa, condolence registers are open at the Governor’s Office, Government House in Akure, and the State Liaison Offices in Lagos and Abuja.
Aiyedatiwa expressed his condolences, hoping for Akeredolu’s soul to rest in peace.
In the wake of these changes, three aides of the late Governor Akeredolu have tendered their resignations. Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties and Strategy, Adedoyin Odebowale, Chief Press Secretary Richard Olatunde, and Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Dare Aragbaiye, have all stepped down, citing loyalty and respect for the late governor as their reasons.
Aiyedatiwa’s administration has already begun forming its team, appointing Smart Omodunbi as Special Assistant on Political Matters, Abire Olugbenga as Special Assistant on New Media, Motunrayo Oyedele as Special Assistant on Photography, and Temitayo Iperepolu as Special Assistant on Domestic and Government House.
These appointments are effective immediately, signalling a new chapter in Ondo State’s governance amidst a period of mourning and reflection.
