Ondo gets new Governor, as Aiyedatiwa is sworn in as Akeredolu’s successor
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
News update from Akure, the Ondo State capital, has it that Sir Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has been sworn-in as the substantive Governor of the state.
The swearing-in took place at the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure, on Wednesday. Aiyedatiwa was the acting governor of the state until his upgrading by the swearing in.
This development followed the death of the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, on Wednesday, at the age of 67 in Germany.
Akeredolu, according to the state government, died of prostate cancer.
Akeredolu had embarked on two separate medical vacations, the first on April 3, 2023, and the second on July 10, 2023. On September 7, he made his way back to the country and promptly notified the state House of Assembly.
According to a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, the governor died in Germany on Wednesday after battling prostate cancer.
The statement was titled ‘It Is a sad day in Ondo State’.
“With a heavy heart, the Ondo State Government announces the 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 government’s statement said.
It noted that a letter had been sent to President Bola Tinubu to officially inform him of the governor’s death.
“The family and the Ondo State Government appreciate Mr. President for his support for Governor Akeredolu during his illness. The family and the state government will release further details regarding the funeral arrangements.
“Governor Akeredolu was an extraordinary leader whose unwavering dedication to the state and its people was both commendable and unparalleled. He not only served as the Governor of Ondo State but also emerged as a prominent advocate for the entire Southwest region and the nation. Governor Akeredolu was a courageous leader and an exemplar of integrity. The weight of this loss is truly unbearable.
“However, we find solace in the knowledge that Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu lived a purposeful life, devoted to the service of God Almighty,” the statement added.
