Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the current Ondo State Governor, has announced his intention to vie for the position of Governor in the upcoming Ondo State Governorship Election scheduled for November 16, 2024.
Speaking to a gathering of supporters at the Gani Fawehinmi Arcade in Akure on Tuesday, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed his readiness to contest the election under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Aiyedatiwa, who ascended to the governorship following the demise of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on December 27, 2023, revealed that it was Akeredolu’s fervent desire that he be his successor.
“Just about this time three years ago, our late leader and former Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON and my humble self as Deputy Governor, mounted the soapbox to seek your support to govern this blessed State.
“You all gladly gave your support and ensured our victory under a joint ticket of the APC,” he remarked.
“Distinguished citizens and party faithful, I must re-echo what our late leader had always wished for in his lifetime.
“It was his wish that I succeed him, not in death though, as the next Governor of the State,” Aiyedatiwa reiterated.
Aiyedatiwa’s assertion of Akeredolu’s endorsement mirrors previous claims made by other contenders, such as former Commissioner for Finance in the state, Wale Akinterinwa, who asserted that Akeredolu had anointed him as his successor.
However, tensions within the political landscape have surfaced, notably with the late governor’s widow, Betty Akeredolu-Anyanwu, expressing her disapproval of Aiyedatiwa’s gubernatorial aspirations.
She recently chastised her late husband’s niece for supporting Aiyedatiwa’s ambition.
Undeterred by opposition, Aiyedatiwa remains steadfast in his conviction that Akeredolu envisioned him as the torchbearer of progress for Ondo State. “My mission would focus on key developmental issues to alleviate poverty, banish hunger, and make Ondo State self-sustaining.
“My development agenda is to emplace a State Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (SEEDS),” he affirmed.
“Today, I offer myself to lead, not to rule, to respect your wishes, not to dominate you, and to lead by example of humility, good character, and empathy, which I have demonstrated in office since 2021,” concluded Aiyedatiwa, outlining his vision for the state’s future under his leadership.
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