In a solemn ceremony at the governor’s office in Akure on Wednesday, Lucky Aiyedatiwa was officially sworn in as the seventh civilian governor of Ondo State, News About Nigeria reports.
The Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, administered the oath of office to Aiyedatiwa, marking the beginning of his gubernatorial tenure.
The swearing-in ceremony, which took place at precisely 4:15 p.m., was attended by dignitaries, including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, and members of the assembly.
Other notable figures present included the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, and the State Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ade Adetimehin.
The gathering also included members of the executive council, political officeholders, and party members.
In his inaugural address, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed his condolences over the untimely demise of his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu, describing it as a devastating shock to the people of the state and the nation.
Aiyedatiwa extended his sympathies to the governor’s family, the traditional ruler of Owo, and the entire populace.
Reflecting on Governor Akeredolu’s contributions, Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the late governor’s pivotal role in the establishment of Amotekun, a regional security outfit in the South West.
He credited Amotekun with reducing the rate of banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities in the region.
The new governor pledged to build on Akeredolu’s legacy and complete all ongoing projects initiated by his predecessor.
Aiyedatiwa vowed to uphold the ideals and principles that characterised the late governor’s administration.
Akeredolu died at age 67 on Wednesday after a long battle with leukaemia, a cancer of the blood.
