Former deputy governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has been sworn-in as the substanie Governor of Ondo state.
Aiyedatiwa took oath of office in Akure, Ondo state capital on Wednesday December 27, 2023.
This development followed the demise of the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, same day.
Akeredolu died in Germany at the age of 67 after battling prostate cancer, the state government disclosed in a statement.
Shortly after he was sworn-in, the new governor while assuring of readiness to serve the state diligently, consoled with the late governor family, Olowo of Owo, and the people of the state, saying that the death of the late governor was a monumental loss to him and prayed for repose of his soul.
He said, “The late Akeredolu is a man of courage, dedicated leader and a man with sincere purposes,” and that his legacies in the state will linger in the anal history of the state.
Since the creation of the state in 1976, 19 people have served as governor, including 12 military governors and seven civilian governors.
Brigadier General Raji Rasaki served the shortest term in office of seven months.
When Ondo state was created from the Western State in 1976, Group Captain Ita David Ikpeme was appointed as its first governor.
Olusegun Mimiko served the longest term as governor, serving for two consecutive terms of four years from 2009 to 2017.
Present at the ceremony were cabinet members, members of the State Assembly, State party chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Ade Adetimehin, Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu amongst others
Already, the special Adviser to the governor on union matters and special duties, Dare Aragbaye has tendered his letter of resignation of appointment.
