The Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, on Wednesday evening, swore in Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the 19th governor of the state.
Aiyedatiwa, who was Acting Governor, assumed the position of Governor following the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, early on Wednesday morning after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.
The swearing in ceremony took place at 5:18p.m. at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governors Office, Akure.
In his acceptance speech, the Governor said he was sad over the death of his principal.
“It is with heavy heart that I accept this onerous responsibility of taking over the reins of governance and affairs of our state following the unfortunate loss and passing of our beloved Governor, leader and dear boss, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON.
“The death of our governor is indeed a devastating shock to us all, as we have all been praying earnestly for his quick recovery and subsequent safe return to Ondo State, having embarked on another medical leave on Wednesday, 13th December, 2023.
“Indeed, there is no armour against fate, death lays his icy hand on kings,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa commiserated with the immediate and extended family of Oluwarotimi the late Akeredolu, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the Olowo of Owo, the people of Owo and indeed the entire people of Ondo State over this monumental loss.
He also described the deceased as a man of courage who always stood with the truth, even to his own detriment.
Aiyedatiwa said the people of Ondo State and the entire South-West would not forget in a hurry the creation of Amotekun that checkmated banditry and kidnapping in the region.
“The demise of Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu is indeed a great loss to me as an individual as our relationship dated back to many years ago, having closely worked with him when his gubernatorial journey started in Year 2012.
He said that it was the first time that the state was having a transition in the history of administration and we must continue to sustain his legacy of good governance.
The new governor said that his responsibility was to complete the landmark projects that his boss had started.
He said it was necessary for him to acknowledge with pride the achievement of his former boss and would continue to advance the welfare of the people in every decision he would take.
The governor later prayed that God would grant the Akeredolu family and people in Ondo State the fortitude to bear the loss.
He also appreciated President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and all who have provided succour and support for the state during this period.
“I want to assure the people of Ondo State that under my watch, this administration shall continue to advance the welfare of the people. We shall always place the people first in every decision we take.
“It is my prayer, once more, that God Almighty shall grant the family and the people of Ondo State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa further declared three days of mourning in the state and ordered that the national flag in all establishments in the state should fly at half mast.
