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In a solemn ceremony held at the Cocoa Conference Hall in the governor's office in Akure, the capital city of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Acting Governor of the state, was officially sworn in as the new governor. The oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola, at precisely 5:18 pm.
Expressing the weight of the responsibility bestowed upon him, Governor Aiyedatiwa began his tenure with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the unfortunate passing of his predecessor, Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu. Aiyedatiwa conveyed his acceptance of the "honor and responsibility of taking over the reins of governance and affairs of our state" in the wake of Governor Akeredolu's demise.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by distinguished personalities, including other judges, top government officials, members of the state cabinet, the State All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman, and representatives from the State House of Assembly.
The transition to Aiyedatiwa's governorship followed the untimely death of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu earlier on the same day. Aiyedatiwa's path to assuming the role of the governor was marked by a year-long journey, beginning with Akeredolu's health challenges, culminating in his demise in Germany, where he was receiving treatment for prostate cancer.
Governor Aiyedatiwa faced significant challenges, including an impeachment plot by Akeredolu's allies in the Ondo State House of Assembly and opposition from his late principal's supporters. The political landscape of the state witnessed controversy, with activists and constitutional lawyers urging Akeredolu to transmit power to Aiyedatiwa in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
Governor Akeredolu, a two-term governor, passed away on December 27, 2023, after battling complications arising from prostate cancer. Having transmitted power to Aiyedatiwa on December 13, 2023, before embarking on his final medical trip overseas, Akeredolu, aged 67, succumbed to the ailment abroad. His death marks the end of a remarkable political career in Ondo State.
