Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa has officially assumed office as the 7th governor of Ondo State following an elaborate ceremony at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure. The event, which unfolded with a sense of solemn celebration and high expectations, saw the governor taking his oath of office shortly after his deputy, Olayide Adelami, around 12:59 PM. Family members of both officials were present, emphasizing the personal commitment behind this historic political transition.
Distinguished figures from across the Nigerian political landscape, including Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and respected former leaders such as Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Olusegun Osoba, and Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, lent their support to the new administration. The presence of these notable dignitaries underscored the importance of the inauguration and the confidence placed in Governor Aiyedatiwa to steer Ondo State towards renewed progress and development.
Amid the festive atmosphere, the event was not without its moments of poignant reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. A widow took to the stage to express her anguish over a longstanding land dispute, her voice resonating with the community’s call for urgent government intervention. Her remarks highlighted the deep-rooted issues of land ownership and social justice that remain a critical focus for the incoming administration.
As Governor Aiyedatiwa embarks on his first full four-year term, he has vowed to build on the legacy of his predecessors while ushering in a new era marked by transparent governance, infrastructural development, and economic growth. His administration is expected to prioritize reforms in education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure, with a keen emphasis on rooting out corruption and fostering unity among the people of Ondo State.
Governor Aiyedatiwa vowed that he and his deputy would never rest on their oars during a speech following his inauguration. “We like to assure you that the overwhelming renewed mandate you have freely given to us has further placed on us a huge burden of leadership and we promise never to rest on our oars,” he declared. Speaking with conviction, he pledged that both he and his deputy would lead with the fear of God and utmost dedication to the progress of the state, prioritizing the welfare of the poor, the sick, and the marginalized.
He emphasized that his administration, which has already restored public confidence in the government, would focus on transforming Ondo State economically over the next four years. “In the next four years, we will work with interested investors and our development partners in ensuring that our Port Ondo becomes a reality,” he said. The governor also promised to facilitate investor exploration of the state’s significant bitumen deposits for both local use and export, a move he believes will generate substantial revenue for Ondo State.
The inauguration ceremony, which marked the completion of the succession process in the Sunshine State, was attended by prominent dignitaries including APC Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, Minister of Youth Ayodele Olawande, and Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. Their presence underscored the high expectations for the new administration as it embarks on a mandate aimed at fostering progress and development.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s rise to power follows a tumultuous period in Ondo State’s political history. He first ascended to power on December 27, 2023, following the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who had transferred power to him before his passing. A former deputy governor, Aiyedatiwa later secured his position by winning the November 16, 2024 governorship election by a landslide, polling 366,781 votes to defeat his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party, who garnered 117,845 votes. The APC swept all 18 local government areas, a result that speaks volumes about the public’s confidence in the new leadership.
As Ondo State prepares for a new era of development and transformation, Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to proactive governance and economic revitalization is expected to resonate with a populace eager for progress. His administration now faces the challenge of converting these promises into tangible improvements that will benefit all segments of the community, particularly the most vulnerable.
The inauguration of Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa not only marks a significant milestone in Ondo State’s political history but also sets the stage for a transformative period that aims to address both high-level developmental goals and the immediate concerns of local communities. With the trust and support of diverse political stakeholders and the general public, the new governor faces the dual challenge of consolidating his political mandate while responding effectively to the pressing needs of his citizens.
Related: https://symfoninews.com/god-made-me-ondo-state-governor-lucky-aiyedatiwa/
Stay tuned for more updates as Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration unfolds its agenda and addresses the pressing needs of the people of Ondo State.
