Ondo State Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa would, any moment now, be sworn in as the state governor following his principal Rotimi Akeredolu’s death.

Mr Akeredolu died in the early hours of Wednesday after suffering from prostate cancer.

The cabinet member, who preferred to remain anonymous, told Peoples Gazette that arrangements were in place to swear in Mr Aiyedatiwa as the governor.

He revealed that the state’s chief judge, Olusegun Odusola, was already preparing the ground for the smooth transition of power. 

“We are sad by the development, but in line with the constitution, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has to take over in full capacity as the governor of the state. 

“So, he (Aiyedatiwa) would take his office and be sworn in by the chief judge at any time from now by the CJ. We are already preparing the ground for him,” he said.

The Gazette could not immediately get reactions from the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Titiloye Charles. 

The swearing-in of Mr Aiyedatiwa is in accordance with the provisions of section 191(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

“The deputy governor of a state shall hold the office of governor of the state if the office of governor becomes vacant by reason of death, resignation, impeachment, permanent incapacity, or removal of the governor from office for any other reason in accordance with sections 188 or 189 of this constitution,” the section stated.

Mr Akeredolu became the Ondo governor in February 2017 until his death and was survived by his wife, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and four children.