*Says I’m Pained Akeredolu Is Not Alive To Witness My Swearing-In
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been officially inaugurated as the Governor of Ondo State, marking the beginning of his first full four-year term following the passing of his predecessor, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, in December 2023.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure, the state capital, just two months after Aiyedatiwa secured victory in the governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking during his inaugural speech after being sworn in as the 7th Governor of Ondo State, Aiyedatiwa paid tribute to Akeredolu’s visionary leadership and tireless efforts in developing the state.
“Permit me to express special gratitude to my immediate predecessor, our visionary leader, the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, who worked tirelessly to develop our state for about seven years before he took a glorious bow to join the Saints Triumphant.
“We must not forget this courageous and personable leader who literally emptied himself in the service of Ondo State and Nigeria. His legacy continues to inspire us to build upon the foundations he laid.”
Aiyedatiwa acknowledged that Akeredolu’s public and prophetic declaration at the inauguration ceremony four years ago, where he was sworn in for a second term, set the tone for his eventual emergence as governor.
“I am particularly indebted to him for choosing me as his Deputy and for his public and undisguised prophetic declaration at about this time, on this same podium, four years ago. That declaration must be appreciated for setting the tone for me as his successor to the office of Governor.”
He lamented that Akeredolu was not alive to witness the fulfillment of what he had foretold.
“I must say that I am deeply pained that this great leader who saw tomorrow is not here with us to witness and savor this auspicious occasion, which marks the fulfillment of what God spoke through him.
“May the gentle soul of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, continue to rest in peace (Amen).”
Aiyedatiwa described the moment as a crucial point in Ondo State’s history, reflecting on the struggles of the past, the sacrifices of heroes, and the resilience of the people.
“This moment is very pivotal in our history as a people. It reminds us of the struggles of our past, the sacrifices of our heroes, and the resilience of our people.”
While celebrating his inauguration, he paid tribute to the founding fathers and former governors of Ondo State for their contributions to its growth and development over the past 49 years.
“In celebrating this significant milestone, I pay glowing tributes to all the founding fathers and former governors of our great state, who have contributed immensely to her growth and development over the past 49 years.
“Their selfless service, vision, and leadership have laid the groundwork for the progress we enjoy today.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s speech emphasized continuity, gratitude, and a commitment to building on Akeredolu’s legacy for the benefit of Ondo State.
In a significant move on his first day in office, Aiyedatiwa announced the pardon of 43 convicts and the release of eight incarcerated individuals. This was confirmed in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan.
“As part of this initiative, the Governor has ordered the outright release of eight individuals who were previously incarcerated,” the statement read.
The governor also commuted the death sentences of 15 condemned inmates to prison terms and reduced the life imprisonment sentences of 20 other convicts to more lenient terms.
According to Adeniyan, the governor’s decision was based on the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo.
“This decision is a testament to Governor Aiyedatiwa’s belief in second chances and the potential for rehabilitation,” the statement added. “It is His Excellency’s responsibility to ensure that our justice system reflects mercy and humanity.”
Adeniyan further emphasized that the decision aligns with the administration’s broader effort to reform the penal system and promote the reintegration of former inmates into society.
Born on January 12, 1965, in Obe-Nla, an oil-producing community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, Aiyedatiwa’s educational journey began at Saint Peter’s Primary School in Obe-Nla. He completed his secondary education at Ikosi High School, Ketu, Lagos, in 1982.
He obtained a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Government from Lagos State College of Education (now Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education) in 1986. He later earned an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Ibadan in 2001, a Postgraduate Certificate in Chief Executive Education from Lagos Business School in 2009, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Liverpool in 2013.
Before venturing into politics, Aiyedatiwa built a successful career across multiple sectors, including education, pharmaceuticals, finance, and general merchandise. In 1996, he founded the Blue Wall Group of Companies, with business interests in trading, foreign exchange, and travel logistics.
His political career began in 2011 when he joined the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which later merged into the APC. He served as a Federal Commissioner representing Ondo State on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from 2018 to 2019.
In 2020, Aiyedatiwa was elected as Deputy Governor alongside Governor Akeredolu. Following Akeredolu’s passing on December 27, 2023, after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer, Aiyedatiwa assumed office as governor.
With his inauguration now complete, Aiyedatiwa embarks on his first full term, focusing on governance, justice reforms, and economic development for Ondo State.
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