By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Ondo State ushered in a new era on Monday as Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami took the oath of office at the Ondo State Sports Stadium, Akure.
The historic ceremony, conducted by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Segun Odusola, drew a crowd of dignitaries, political leaders, and citizens eager to witness the transition of power.
The oath of office performed by Justice Odusola, was administered on the Deputy Governor, accompanied by his wife, Abosede, at about 12:30pm, while that of the governor in the company of his wife, Oluwaseun, came around 1pm.
Aiyedatiwa and Adelami, candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had secured the mandate of the people of Ondo State during the gubernatorial election held on November 16, 2024.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, in his inaugural address, paid tribute to his late predecessor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, acknowledging his leadership and foresight in predicting his emergence as governor.
Expressing sadness that Akeredolu did not live to witness the realisation of that vision, Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his commitment to upholding his predecessor’s legacy while charting a new course for the state.
The governor pledged to govern with integrity, transparency, and a deep sense of responsibility, introducing his administration’s new development agenda, ODATIWA, ODIRORUN – OUR EASE.
He assured the people that his government would prioritise the welfare of the most vulnerable, ensuring that the poor, the sick, and the marginalised were not left behind.
He outlined ambitious plans to transform Ondo State into a major economic hub by attracting investors and maximising the state’s natural resources.
He reaffirmed his commitment to actualising Port Ondo, collaborating with investors to harness the state’s vast bitumen deposits for local and export use.
He also spoke about leveraging the state’s coastal resources to drive a thriving blue economy, focusing on fisheries, tourism, maritime transport, renewable energy, and marine biotechnology.
Governor Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence that, with the collective support of the people, his administration could overcome obstacles and achieve meaningful progress.
He extended his gratitude to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and praised the federal government’s ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, which he noted would significantly boost Ondo’s economic development.
Promising an administration built on inclusivity and fairness, he assured citizens that no one would face discrimination based on political, religious, or ethnic affiliations.
He also extended a hand of fellowship to opposition parties, urging them to join in the task of building a prosperous Ondo State rather than engaging in political distractions.
The event was graced by several notable figures, including Lagos State Governor; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ekiti State Governor; Biodun Oyebanji, National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC); Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, former Ondo State Governor; Dr Olusegun Mimiko, former Ogun State Governor; Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former Osun State Governor; Chief Bisi Akande, Minister of Interior; Hon Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister for Youth Development; Mr Ayo Olawande, traditional rulers, top government officials, technocrats and political stakeholders.
As the crowd erupted in applause at the conclusion of his speech, it was evident that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s message of unity, progress, and economic transformation had resonated with the people.
His administration now faces the task of turning promises into action, steering Ondo State toward a new era of growth and prosperity.
