Full Text: Aiyedatiwa’s Ondo Gov Acceptance Speech
ADDRESS BY THE NEWLY INAUGURATED GOVERNOR OF ONDO STATE, HON. LUCKY ORIMISAN AIYEDATIWA, DELIVERED AT THE COCOA CONFERENCE CENTRE IN THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2023
PROTOCOL
With a heavy heart, I assume the responsibility of governing our State, following the unfortunate demise of our beloved Governor, leader, and esteemed boss, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON.
The passing of our Governor has profoundly shocked us all. Despite our fervent prayers for his swift recovery and safe return to Ondo State during his medical leave starting on December 13, 2023, fate, with its inevitable force, has claimed him.
ALSO READ: Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, passes away at 67
Allow me to extend my condolences to the immediate and extended family of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, HRM Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the Olowo of Owo, the people of Owo, and indeed the entire populace of Ondo State for this monumental loss.
The demise of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, is not only a loss to me personally, but it also marks the end of a longstanding relationship that began many years ago. Our association, which strengthened during his gubernatorial journey in 2012, reached its pinnacle in 2020 when he graciously selected me as his running mate for his second term as Governor of Ondo State.
Governor Akeredolu exemplified courage and unwavering commitment to truth, even in the face of adversity. His legacy includes the establishment of the ‘Amotekun Corps,’ a robust security network for the Southwest, significantly enhancing regional security and minimizing criminal activities, especially in Ondo State.
His contributions to the health sector, infrastructure, education, and industrial development, as seen in the Ondo-Linyl Industrial Hub, Ore, the Ondo State Entrepreneurial Development Agency, and the Tech Hub, are remarkable and challenging to surpass.
Today’s ceremony signifies a pivotal moment in Ondo State’s history, as it marks the first transition in administration. The burden is now upon us to unite and sustain the legacies of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, characterized by good governance.
As we continue the numerous ongoing projects initiated by our late leader, we are committed to completing them. The completed flyover in Ore and the ongoing one in Akure stand as testaments to Arakunrin Akeredolu’s visionary leadership and achievements.
I assure the people of Ondo State that, under my leadership, this administration will prioritize the welfare of the people, always placing their interests at the forefront of our decisions. Once again, I pray that God Almighty grants the family and the people of Ondo State the strength to bear this irreparable loss.
I express our sincere gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the National Chairman of our party, His Excellency Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, the party leaders at the National and State levels, and the elders of our State for their support during this critical time.
Ladies and gentlemen, I urge the people of Ondo State to continue praying for us as we strive to uphold good governance in our beloved State.
May God continue to bless the people of Ondo State.