Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been sworn in as the 19th Governor of Ondo State.
The development followed the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on Wednesday at a German hospital.
Aiyedatiwa, the erstwhile Acting Governor of Ondo State, was sworn in at 5:15p.m, when he took the oath of allegiance.
‘Akeredolu died of prostate cancer’: Ondo govt speaks on gov’s death
The Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, administered the oath of office on Aiyedatiwa.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Cocoa conference hall of the Governor’s Office, Akure.
The new governor took the oath of office at 5:17p.m. while he signed the Oath Register at 5:19p.m.
In his acceptance speech, the new governor said he was sad over the death of his principal.
“It is with 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, SAN, CON.
“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, 13th December, 2023.
“Indeed, there is no armour against fate, death lays his icy hand on kings,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa commiserated with the immediate and extended family of the late 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.
He also described the deceased as a man of courage who always stood with the truth, even to his own detriment.
Aiyedatiwa said the people of Ondo State and the entire South-West would not forget in a hurry the creation of Amotekun that checkmated banditry and kidnapping in the region.
“The demise of Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu is indeed a great loss to me as an individual as our relationship dated back to many years ago, having closely worked with him when his gubernatorial journey started in 2012,” Aiyedatiwa said.
The new governor said that his responsibility was to complete the landmark projects that his boss had started.
He said it was necessary for him to acknowledge with pride the achievement of his former boss and would continue to advance the welfare of the people in every decision he would take.
The governor later prayed that God would grant the Akeredolu family and people in Ondo State the fortitude to bear the loss.
He also appreciated President Bola Tinubu, his Vice, Kashim Shetima and all who have provided succour and support for the state during this period.
“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,” he said.
Dignitaries at the inauguration are: Speaker of the House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji; Secretary to the State Government, Oladunni Odu; Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele; some commissioners, Ondo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ade Adetimehin; Chief of Staff to the late Akeredolu, Chief Olugbenga Ale; former deputy governors, permanent secretaries and others.
Akeredolu had been battling with his health for months.
He returned to Nigeria in September after a three-month medical leave in Germany.
The deceased transferred power to Aiyedatiwa on December 13 when he proceeded on another medical vacation.
The Ondo State Government had earlier said Akeredolu died from complications arising from prostate cancer.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, on Wednesday.
The statement read: “With a heavy heart, the Ondo State Government announces the tragic passing of our beloved Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.
“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.”
The new governor, Aiyedatiwa, became acting governor on December 13 after the intervention by President Bola Tinubu.
Aiyedatiwa survived impeachment before the political intervention.
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