Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was officially sworn in as the Governor of Ondo State, marking the commencement of his first full four-year term following the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in 2023.
The inauguration ceremony took place on Monday, at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure, the state capital, two months after Aiyedatiwa secured victory in the governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Aiyedatiwa took his oath of office shortly after his running mate, Olayide Adelami, around 12:59 pm.
Following the oath-taking, the new governor rode in an open van around the complex, waving to enthusiastic supporters.
In his speech after the inauguration, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude for the renewed mandate from the people and assured that his administration would not rest on its laurels.
“We like to assure you that the overwhelming renewed mandate you have freely given to us has further placed on us a huge burden of leadership, and we promise never to rest on our oars,” he stated.
He further pledged that he and his deputy would lead with dedication, the fear of God, and a focus on the welfare of the state’s most vulnerable populations, including the poor, the sick, and the marginalized.
“I and my deputy, we make a solemn pledge this day that we shall lead and govern with the fear of God and utmost dedication to the progress of the state,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa also outlined his vision for the state’s economic growth, promising to work with investors and development partners to realize the Port Ondo project.
“In the next four years, we will work with interested investors and our development partners in ensuring that our Port Ondo becomes a reality,” he affirmed.
“We will also facilitate investors to explore our large deposit of bitumen for local use and export purposes, thereby generating huge revenue for the state,” he added.
The ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including the Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, former Governors Bisi Akande of Osun State and Olusegun Osoba of Ogun State, Minister of Youth Ayodele Olawande, and Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, among others.
Aiyedatiwa’s inauguration marks the completion of the succession process in Ondo State.
His journey to the governor’s office was shaped by a fiercely contested election.
He triumphed over former Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi, who contested under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Aiyedatiwa emerged victorious in the November 16, 2024, governorship election, securing 366,781 votes, while Ajayi garnered 117,845 votes—less than half of Aiyedatiwa’s tally.
The final results confirmed a landslide victory for the APC, with the party winning in all 18 local government areas of the state.
Aiyedatiwa’s political journey began with his appointment as deputy governor after the death of Governor Akeredolu on December 27, 2023.
Akeredolu, who had been battling illness, had transferred power to Aiyedatiwa prior to his passing.
Aiyedatiwa then secured the APC’s nomination for the 2024 governorship race, where he faced 17 other candidates, including Ajayi, who had previously served as deputy governor during Akeredolu’s first term in office.
