- A worthy homecoming campaign as Mahin, Ugbonla, Igbokoda residents troop out to welcome Gov
- Gov rounds off LG tour, assures on seaport, vows to reclaim Aiyetoro from sea incursion
- Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, Olusola Oke, Ayiri, others rally support for Gov
By Adedotun Ajayi
The people of Ilaje Local Government Area lined up the streets and rolled out the drums on Tuesday to welcome their son, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, as he rounded off his LG campaign tour ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State.
Already chanting victory songs ahead of the election, excited crowds of residents showed their readiness for the election as they aim to elect the first governor from their area.
From Mahin, to Ugbonla and then Igbokoda, the headquarters of the local government, it was a carnival-like atmosphere as Governor Aiyedatiwa moved round major communities to address the people.
The Governor had earlier commissioned a reconstructed 32.7km Alape-Araromi seaside road, a project of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), in the local government.
The Governor also received overwhelming support from community leaders and traditional rulers as he engaged them in a stakeholders meeting.
At the event, the Amapetu of Mahinland, Oba Oluwasegun Akinyomi, speaking on behalf of all traditional rulers in Ilaje, declared the monarchs’ collective support for Governor Aiyedatiwa’s election bid.
The monarch emphasised the unity among the royal council, expressing confidence in Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership and noting his consistent efforts to bring development to Ilaje communities.
“The traditional rulers in this region have resolved to support Governor Aiyedatiwa beyond 2025. We believe in his dedication to our people and his commitment to improving infrastructure, security, and economic opportunities across our communities,” Oba Akinyomi stated.
Adding to the endorsement, Chief Olushola Oke, a former governorship aspirant and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), also offered his strong support. He highlighted Governor Aiyedatiwa’s impact on the local economy and the state’s stability, adding: “Governor Aiyedatiwa has proven his dedication to our people,” Oke said.
The Iyaloja General of Nigeria and daughter of the President, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, also lent her endorsement at the campaign gathering, urging the people to come out en masse on Saturday to vote for the APC.
As the leader representing market women across Nigeria, Tinubu-Ojo praised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s policies that have benefited the market community, especially in fostering an environment conducive for teaders and small business owners.
Chief Ayiri Emami, an APC chieftain and community leader in Delta State, further bolstered the governor’s support base, citing Governor Aiyedatiwa’s responsiveness to the needs of the riverine communities.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa has shown a genuine commitment to the progress of our coastal communities, and we are here to ensure his continued leadership as governor,” Ayiri stated.
In his response, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed profound gratitude to the leaders and supporters who gathered to endorse his election. He acknowledged the support of the traditional rulers and community leaders, pledging to continue his efforts in transforming Ilaje and Ondo State.
He reaffirmed his commitment to completing ongoing projects and initiating new developments to further uplift the area, vowing to work tirelessly for the progress and prosperity of the people in his local government and throughout the state.
Notably, the Governor assured the people of Aiyetoro that his administration is committed to reclaiming the community from the destructive impact of sea incursion.
Addressing residents at Ugbonla, Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked them for their support, assuring them that their community’s concerns are fully acknowledged and will be prioritised by his administration.
A tumultuous crowd welcomed the governor to Igbokoda, the headquarters of the local government, singing and dancing in support of the governor.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also assured the people that activities will begin on the establishment of the deep seaport in the coming year, with plans to facilitate the construction of an airstrip near the project.
The Governor urged the people to remain confident in his administration’s resolve to bring about meaningful development to their area.
The final mega campaign rally of the Governor will hold in Akure, the State capital, on Wednesday.