With Fisayo Akinduro
In the space of one week, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa moved seamlessly through the corridors of royalty, the arena of politics, the boardroom of enterprise and the podium of public discourse, advancing agenda anchored on institutional strength, economic transformation and purposeful leadership.
Each engagement carried own significance, but collectively they painted the picture of an administration intent on consolidating political stability, unlocking investment opportunities, strengthening agriculture and reinforcing the values considered essential for the future of Ondo State.
The week began in the ancient kingdom of Owo, where the governor joined the Ooni of Ife, prominent monarchs and other distinguished personalities to celebrate the diamond birthday of the Olowo of Owo, His Imperial Majesty, Ajibade Ogunoye.
What might have passed as a royal celebration quickly assumed a broader significance as Aiyedatiwa made a passionate case for stronger collaboration between government and traditional institutions.
Declaring that royal fathers remain indispensable partners in governance, he stressed that enduring peace, social stability and community development cannot be achieved without the active involvement of traditional rulers.
Paying tribute to the Olowo, the governor described him as a monarch who has successfully connected the wisdom of the past with the realities of the present. He applauded his distinguished record in public service, his contributions to higher education and his leadership of the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers, describing him as a symbol of visionary leadership, moderation and service.
From the palace, the governor’s attention shifted to the political landscape, where the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ondo State spoke with one voice.
At a strategic meeting of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) and party stakeholders in Akure, Aiyedatiwa received unanimous affirmation as the recognised leader of the APC in the state. The gathering, convened after the party’s primaries, also resolved to close ranks, deepen reconciliation and strengthen party unity ahead of future electoral contests.
The meeting further renewed the party’s commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, with leading figures, including Chief Pius Akinyelure, Senator Ajayi Boroffice and Dr. Isaac Kekemeke, insisting that the governor remains the rallying point of the APC in Ondo State and should be fully carried along in decisions affecting the state.
The conversation soon moved beyond politics. In Lagos, Aiyedatiwa raised the alarm over what he described as one of the defining challenges of the digital era, the increasing spread of fake news, slander and misinformation through social media.
Addressing guests at the 60th birthday celebration of Mrs Caroline Ibharuneafe, President of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria, the governor lamented that technology, despite revolutionising communication and commerce, is increasingly being deployed to spread falsehood and create needless divisions.
He contrasted that trend with the celebrant’s enduring commitment to integrity, wisdom and responsible leadership.
While governance continued on one front, economic transformation gathered pace on another. In a move aimed at revitalising one of Ondo State’s most strategic agricultural assets, Aiyedatiwa constituted the Ondo State Cocoa Revolution and Management Board to drive the implementation of his administration’s cocoa development agenda.
With Mr. Omolade Fabiyi appointed Chairman, the board was mandated to coordinate policies, mobilise stakeholders, attract investment and stimulate innovation across the cocoa value chain. The governor urged members to justify the confidence reposed in them and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting cocoa farmers through improved seedlings, access to finance, extension services and modern processing facilities.
The week also offered an opportunity to celebrate service and enduring relationships. At the 50th birthday celebration of Senior High Chief Bibopere Ajube in Lagos, Aiyedatiwa described the golden milestone not as a destination, but as the beginning of greater responsibility and influence.
He praised the celebrant’s loyalty, philanthropy, community service and commitment to uplifting others, while acknowledging his support for the Ondo State Government.
As the week drew to a close, attention turned to one of the state’s biggest economic ambitions. Meeting with President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, in Lagos, the governor advanced discussions on the Olokola Free Trade Zone, a project his administration considers central to its economic vision.
The talks focused on accelerating the development of the proposed industrial hub by reviewing progress already made and agreeing on the next phase of technical engagements, infrastructure planning and private sector participation.
Reaffirming that the Olokola Free Trade Zone remains a priority under the OUR EASE agenda, Aiyedatiwa said the project has the capacity to attract substantial investment, generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs and establish Ondo State as a major industrial and maritime destination.
By the end of the week, the governor had left unmistakable footprints across the traditional institution, the political landscape, the agricultural sector and the investment community. Together, the engagements reflected not merely a calendar of official functions, but a deliberate effort to strengthen institutions, inspire confidence and sustain the momentum of Ondo State’s development agenda.