Lucky Aiyedatiwa has officially taken office as the governor of Ondo State, commencing his first full four-year term following the death of his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu, in 2023.
The inauguration took place on Monday at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure, where Aiyedatiwa was sworn in shortly after his deputy, Olayide Adelami, at 12:59 p.m.
The governor then rode in an open van around the venue, acknowledging cheers from supporters.
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Some of the dignitaries at the ceremony include the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, Lagos state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ekiti state governor Biodun Oyebanji.
Others are former governors of Osun state, Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Dr Olusegun Mimiko and the former governor of Ondo state
Aiyedatiwa’s victory in the November 16, 2024, governorship election secured his continued stay in office.
He had defeated his closest rival, former deputy governor Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), by a wide margin.
According to the Returning Officer, Olayemi Akinwumi, the governor polled 366,781 votes, more than three times Ajayi’s 117,845 votes, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) winning across all 18 local government areas.
Having initially taken over on December 27, 2023, after Akeredolu’s passing, Aiyedatiwa solidified his leadership by clinching the APC ticket and overcoming competition from 17 other candidates, including Ajayi.
His inauguration marks the beginning of a fresh four-year administration in Ondo State.