Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been inaugurated as the governor of Ondo State, which marks the beginning of his first full four-year term.
This follows his tenure as the acting governor after the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in 2023.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure, the state capital.
Aiyedatiwa, who won the governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), took the oath of office at 12:59 p.m., shortly after his deputy, Olayide Adelami.
Following his inauguration, Aiyedatiwa rode in an open van around the complex, while waving to a cheering crowd of supporters.
In his inaugural address, Governor Aiyedatiwa reassured the people of his administration’s commitment to effective governance and progress.
“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 pledged to prioritize the welfare of the people, particularly the vulnerable, he vowed to lead with dedication and the fear of God.
He said, “I and my deputy 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. We will prioritize the welfare of our people, particularly the most vulnerable among us—the poor, the sick, and the marginalized.”
Aiyedatiwa also highlighted his economic vision for the state, emphasizing plans to boost industrialization and revenue generation.
“In the next four years, we will work with interested investors and our development partners to ensure that Port Ondo becomes a reality. We will also facilitate investments to explore our large deposit of bitumen for local use and export purposes, thereby generating huge revenue for the state,” he said.
Present at the event, including the National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, Minister of Youth Ayodele Olawande, and Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, among others.
Aiyedatiwa’s journey to the Ondo State Government House was marked by political battles, particulaly his contest against former deputy governor Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The APC candidate emerged victorious in the November 16, 2024, governorship election, securing 366,781 votes—more than three times the 117,845 votes polled by Ajayi.
Aiyedatiwa’s landslide victory saw the APC sweeping all 18 local government areas of the state, solidifying his mandate.
Aiyedatiwa initially assumed power on December 27, 2023, following Akeredolu’s passing after a prolonged illness.
Before his death, Akeredolu had officially transferred power to him, which paved the way for Aiyedatiwa’s eventual election as the APC’s flagbearer for the 2024 gubernatorial race.
