The Acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, encourages the residents of the state to embrace unity as they steer the state towards a path of ‘accelerated progress.
“Aiyedatiwa conveyed this message on Thursday morning in a state broadcast upon assuming office as the acting governor of the state. This followed the transmission of power to him by his principal, who is on medical leave, and the subsequent ratification of the move by the state assembly.
The acting governor encouraged the residents of the South-West state ‘not to relent, as you have always done, in your prayers for the quick restoration of good health and strength to our leader,’ Rotimi Akeredolu.’
He urged the people of the state to “return quickly to the path of accelerated progress that has eluded the State in the last few months”.
Aiyedatiwa said, “We must excuse unnecessary distractions. We can no longer be separated in interest or divided in purpose. We must stand together until the end.”
“We must come back stronger and more determined to advance the welfare and security of our people, being the primary object of government as encapsulated in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. Let us build a shared future from a divided past. We owe no less to the good people of the Sunshine State.”
Avoidable Distractions
The Acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, stated that the impeachment process against him, which has impeded the government’s progress in the last two months, was unnecessary and could have been avoided.
Aiyedatiwa conveyed this message on Thursday morning in a televised address to the people of Ondo.
The acting governor remarked that the government has overcome the challenges of the past two months and expressed gratitude to the residents of Ondo for standing by the truth.
During the broadcast, Aiyedatiwa also extended his prayers for the swift recovery of the ailing Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who recently embarked on another medical leave to Germany.
Akeredolu, reportedly suffering from cancer, had previously sought medical treatment in the European country on April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023, during which he delegated authority to Aiyedatiwa in an acting capacity.
He arrived back in the country on September 7 and informed the state House of Assembly that he was resuming his duties as governor, only to spend his time at his residence in Ibadan.
Akeredolu gained attention upon his return when he dismissed all media aides affiliated with the deputy governor’s office, citing alleged insubordination and blatant disregard for the appropriate authority.
However, the political turmoil in the state intensified with the impeachment proceedings initiated against Aiyedatiwa. The process was halted following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu in November, even though the involved parties declined to withdraw their court cases.