By Adedotun Ajayi

The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa is ramping up his campaign for election across the state, receiving key endorsements and engaging with communities throughout the week.

On Monday, Aiyedatiwa warmly received the APC National Campaign Council, inaugurated in Akure by the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje. The council, led by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as Chairman and former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege as Secretary, aims to secure Aiyedatiwa’s election on November 16.

Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and paid tribute to the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, highlighting achievements such as constructing over 70km of rural roads, job creation initiatives, and healthcare improvements. Sanwo-Olu praised Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, calling him the best candidate for Ondo State. APC State Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, and campaign DG, Abiola Makinde, affirmed their readiness for a successful campaign.

The Governor visited Akoko North-West on Tuesday, promising a 2025 budget tailored to the community’s development needs. Speaking in Ogbagi Akoko, he assured residents that infrastructural projects and essential services would be prioritised.

The Owa of Ogbagi, Oba Olasehinde Ojo Adetona, voiced strong support for Aiyedatiwa’s re-election, representing traditional rulers’ confidence. The Governor highlighted his ongoing visits to assess challenges across the state, pledging swift, inclusive responses. A major boost came as SDP’s deputy governorship candidate, Mrs. Susan Gbemisola Alabi, defected to the APC, strengthening Aiyedatiwa’s campaign.

On Wednesday, Governor Aiyedatiwa took his campaign to Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo, where he was hailed as divinely chosen by the Jegun of Ile-Oluji, Oba Olufaderin Adetimehin. The monarch praised Aiyedatiwa’s accomplishments while raising concerns about electricity and illegal mining, to which the Governor promised decisive intervention.

At Oke-Igbo, the Regent, Princess Olusola Olufunke Babajide, commended Aiyedatiwa’s impactful leadership and inclusive appointments. In Bamikemo, traditional leaders expressed appreciation for the creation of the LCDA. The governor reaffirmed his commitment to rural development and infrastructure enhancement, while APC leaders, Wale Akinterinwa and Festus Adefiranye mobilised support for his election.

The governor on Thursday, received a significant boost for the November 16 governorship election as the Ondo State Muslim community declared their support at a ceremony in Akure. Key religious leaders, including Alhaji Sheikh Ahmad Aladesawe, Chief Imam of Owo, and Sheikh Abdulhakeem Yayi-Akorede, Chief Imam of Akure, pledged their backing and offered prayers for the governor’s victory.

Aiyedatiwa, who was honoured with a Performance of Excellence Award, expressed gratitude for the endorsement and promised inclusive governance, emphasising religious harmony and increased representation for Muslims in his administration.

Later on Thursday, the Federal Government unveiled the 63-km Ondo State segment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, highlighted the project’s socio-economic benefits, with Governor Aiyedatiwa assuring diligent monitoring and collaboration, including ongoing restoration projects in Aiyetoro.

During the conclusion of the 2024 Public Service Week on Friday, Governor Aiyedatiwa announced the implementation of the new ₦73,000 minimum wage for civil servants in November. Addressing a crowd at the Government House, he reiterated his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, noting that this was not a political gesture but a genuine effort to improve lives. Labour leaders, including the Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philips, and TUC Chairman, Comrade Clement Fatuase, commended the Governor’s dedication and rallied support for his election.

On Saturday, Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State led the Ebira community in endorsing Governor Aiyedatiwa during a rally in Owo. He praised the governor’s leadership and pledged full support for his re-election, while Aiyedatiwa appreciated the solidarity and highlighted President Tinubu’s continued support for Ondo State.

Later, Aiyedatiwa’s campaign tour reached Akoko North-East, where he received royal blessings from Oba Akadiri Momoh, Olukare of Ikare, and Oba Adeleke Adegbite, Owa-Ale of Iyometa. The Governor promised to address community needs in the 2025 budget and celebrated defections from PDP leaders, including former Rep member Stephen Olemija and PDP candidate in the last House of Reps by-election in the constituency, Lekan Bada, to the APC.