By Babatunde Ayedoju

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The streets around the popular Oja Oba in Akure was a beehives of activities as  people trooped  to the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure, venue of the inauguration of the seventh Executive Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who on November 16, 2024, won the Ondo State governorship election in an unprecedented 18-0 feat.

The Oba Adesida road through Old Garage to Stadium Junction, leading ultimately to the State Sports Complex was barricaded and heavily manned by security personnel police and Ondo State security network, codenamed Amotekun. There was a restriction on vehicular and motorcycle movement. However, the joyous attendees trekked their way down to the stadium.

Right inside the stadium, residents and dignitaries who had come from every part of the state took their seats as they awaited the arrival of Governor Aiyedatiwa, his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, and their families. In that process, the Emerald Choir, led by Gbenga Obagbemi, provided musical interlude, followed  by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force in a parade. Earlier, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) band also performed.

Following the grand arrival of Mr Governor, the jubilant crowd sang the national and Ondo State anthems. The governor moved round to greet the cheering crowd, chanting “Odatiwa, odirorun”.

Then came another musical interlude. This was followed by a citation of the deputy governor-elect, Dr Adelami. The Chief Registrar of the state High Court, Yetunde Ajanaku, invited him to take his oath of office before the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola. Having taken his oath of office as deputy governor, he received his certificate of office.

Thereafter, the man of the moment, Dr Aiyedatiwa stepped forward as well for the reading of his citation when the Chief Registrar,  Ajanaku invited him  to take his oath before the Chief Judge. Then, he received his certificate of office .

At this point, the governor moved to inspect the parade. He stepped into the motorcade, accompanied by his security details. Then he returned to the box as the parade continued. The colourful party marched round the venue, as the people stood on their feet and officers saluted.

Thereafter, Mr Governor delivered his inaugural address, thanking God for making the  day a reality. He described the day’s event as another incredible milestone “in our democratic journey as a people with a shared vision and united for a common purpose,” adding that it signals a new chapter in democracy and collective resolve to take  the Sunshine State to its  rightful place under the sun.

“I must state with all sense of responsibility that this moment is very pivotal in our history as a people. It is a compelling moment that reminds us of the struggles of our past, the sacrifices of our heroes and the resilience of our people. In celebrating this significant milestone, I pay glowing tributes to all the founding fathers and former Governors of our great State, who have contributed immensely to her growth and development over the past 49 years of its creation. Their selfless service, vision and leadership have laid the groundwork for the progress we enjoy today,” he said.

While announcing his decision to pardon 43 inmates in the state, Mr Governor paid glowing tributes to his late principal, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, whom he described as a courageous leader that literally emptied himself into the service of Ondo State and Nigeria.

While promising to build on Akeredolu’s legacy, Aiyedatiwa said, “I am particularly indebted to him for choosing me as his deputy and for his public and undisguised prophetic declaration at about this time, on this same podium, four years ago, when he was being sworn-in for his second term as governor and my humble self then as deputy governor.

“That declaration must be appreciated for setting the tone for me as his successor to the office of governor.  I must say that I am deeply pained that this great leader who saw tomorrow is not here with us to witness and and savour this auspicious occasion which marks the fulfilment of what God spoke through him. May the gentle soul of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, continue to rest in peace (Amen).”

The Ondo state helmsman also thanked the good people of the Sunshine State for trooping out last year to vote massively for him and his deputy,  adding that the incredible show of love would not go without being appreciated.

Governor Aiyedatiwa announced that right away Ondo State would transit from the REDEEMED AGENDA of the last four years to a new Development Policy Thrust: O’DATIWA O’ DIRORUN, which literally translates to “OUR EASE”, saying that the seven-point pillar would propel Ondo State’s development agenda for the next four years.

Describing the youths as being capable of putting Ondo State on the path of prosperity if properly directed, Aiyedatiwa promised to create a conducive environment for them to unleash their potential and talents.

He said, “to achieve this, therefore, the youth, must be stimulated through employment, capacity building, sports and income generation. We will promote youth entrepreneurship, encourage innovation and creative economy among the populace.”

He also promised to run an inclusive government devoid of any form of discrimination, adding that his government would work harmoniously with other arms of government.

After his speech, Mr Governor returned to the box to receive another salute from the parade team. Then, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Ekiti State counterpart, Biodun Oyebanji, former Governor of Osun State Bisi Akande, his Ogun State counterpart, Chief Aremo Olusegun  Osoba, former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, former Deputy Governor, Lasisi Oluboyo, National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, and several others stepped on to the podium to take photographs with him.

This was followed by dignitaries exchanging pleasantries with the governor as he departed the venue of the historic occasion, with music going on in the background.

The event was also graced by members of Ondo State House of Assembly and traditional rulers from across the state, led by the Chairman of Ondo State Council of Obas,  Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II.