By Adedotun Ajayi

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has expressed gratitude to the Muslim community for their unwavering support for his administration and their role in the electoral process, acknowledging their votes and solidarity during the gubernatorial election.

Aiyedatiwa made this remark on Friday during a special Jumat service held at the Akure Central Mosque as part of activities leading up to his inauguration on Monday.

Speaking at the event, the governor underscored the significance of unity and peaceful coexistence among all religious groups, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to fostering harmony and inclusivity in governance.

He assured the Muslim faithful of his dedication to policies that promote development, equity, and the overall welfare of the people, regardless of religious affiliations.

The governor also commended the leadership of the Muslim community in Ondo State for their contributions to societal growth and moral guidance, pledging continued collaboration with religious institutions to ensure people-centred and progressive governance.

He urged them to sustain their prayers for a successful administration and support government initiatives aimed at the advancement of the state.

Earlier in his sermon, the Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji Abdulhakeem Yayi-Akorede, offered prayers for Governor Aiyedatiwa, emphasizing the importance of good leadership as prescribed in the Qur’an.

He noted that leadership is a divine trust that comes with responsibility, wisdom, and service to the people, urging Aiyedatiwa to govern with justice, fairness, and commitment to the welfare of all citizens.

The cleric lauded the governor for his strides in infrastructural development, particularly in road networks, and acknowledged his administration’s support for the Muslim Welfare Board, describing it as a testament to inclusive governance and respect for religious institutions.

He called on residents to pray for the governor’s success, stressing that leadership requires divine guidance, patience, and collective support to achieve meaningful development.

Dignitaries at the service included Deputy Governor Dr Olayide Adelami; former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Abdulazeez Oluboyo; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr. Ade Adetimehin; the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, CFR; the Olubaka of Oka Akoko, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, OON, SAN; State Chairman of SUBEB, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan; Chief Imam of Ikare, Alhaji Shehu Abass Abubakri; APC chieftains; immediate past members of the State Executive Council; local government chairmen, and other dignitaries.