Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has been sworn in as Ondo State Governor following the death of Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu after a protracted illness.
Aiyedatiwa was sworn in by the Ondo State Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola, in a brief ceremony at the Council Chambers of the Alagbaka Government House in Akure, the state capital.
It was witnessed by the speaker, chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Ade Adetimehin, and members of the State Executive Council.
A motley crowd of supporters at the venue clapped, shouted and booed some of the government officials as they were introduced during the event.
Aiyedatiwa made five appointments shortly after he moved into the Governor’s Office.
Those appointed are Mr. Ebenezer Adeniyan (Chief Press Secretary), Mr. Smart Omodunbi Jnr (Special Assistant on Political Matters), Mr. Abire Sunday Olugbenga (Special Assistant, New Media), Miss Motunrayo Oyedele (Special Assistant, Photography) and Dr. Temitayo Iperepolu Special Assistant (Domestic and Government House).
Before the appointments were announced, three aides of Akeredolu resigned. These are Special Adviser on Union Matters, Dare Aragbaye, Chief Press Secretary Richard Olabode and Special Assistant, Special Duties and Strategy, Dr. Doyin Odebowale.
Aragbaye, a former Head of Service, explained in a statement that he was loyal to Akeredolu, even in death.
The governor declared three days of mourning during which time flags will fly at half mast.
Aiyedatiwa pledged to complete projects started by his predecessor.
In his inaugural speech, he said he accepted to take over the reins with a heavy heart, following the death of Akeredolu.
Ayedatiwa said Akeredolu’s demise was a great loss to him as an individual, recalling that their relationship dated back many years.
Paying tribute to him, he said: “He was a man of courage and vision who always stood for the truth, even at his detriment. He pursued the course of Amotekun even when his victory was being contested at the court.
“The people of Ondo and the Southwest will be grateful for the establishment of Amotekun, which had increased security in the state.
“His many legacies in the health sector, infrastructural, industrial hub, his innovation and entrepreneurial agency will be difficult to surpass.”
He added: “The events in the last few days are a watershed in the history of the state. This event has placed a burden on all of us.
“We have the responsibility to continue to sustain Akeredolu’s legacy which was good governance.
“Our leader embarked on landmark projects, many of which had been completed and some are ongoing. I now have the burden to complete them.
“It is necessary for us to acknowledge the achievements of Akeredolu. His records of performance are monumental.
“This administration shall continue to advance the welfare of the people. We shall place the people first in every decision we take.”
