Lucky Aiyedatiwa was on Wednesday sworn in as the 7th governor of Ondo State following the shocking death of his principal, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

Mr Aiyedatiwa, who took the oath of office after Mr Akeredolu died of prostate cancer at a German hospital, was sworn in by the Chief Judge of the State, Olusegun Odunsola, in line with the constitution.

Addressing the people shortly after taking the oath of office, Mr Aiyedatiwa said he accepted the responsibility of reins of governance and affairs of the state with a heavy heart following Mr Akeredolu’s unfortunate demise.

He noted that the death of the governor was indeed a devastating shock to him, stressing that the state had been praying earnestly for his quick recovery and subsequent safe return before his unfortunate death.

“The demise of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, is indeed a great loss to me as an individual as our relationship dated back to many years ago, having closely worked with him when his gubernatorial journey started in the Year 2012. The loss then did not affect our relationship as we continued to maintain close political and personal relationship which climaxed in Year 2020 when he graciously picked me as his running mate for his Second Term as Governor of Ondo State,” he said.

Mr Aiyedatiwa explained that the people of the state and the entire Southwest would be eternally grateful for Mr Akeredolu’s bold act with the formation of the local security outfit, which has greatly improved the security architecture in the region and reduced incidents of kidnapping, banditry and other acts of criminalities to the barest minimum.

“Governor Akeredolu was a man of courage and conviction who always stood for the truth even at his own detriment. I remember vividly the time when we had a case in court challenging our second-term victory. He still pursued the matter of emplacing a strong security network for the people of the Southwest codenamed ‘Amotekun Corps’.”

While stating that the events which culminated in his swearing-in as the substantive governor of the state were a watershed, Mr Aiyedatiwa said it was the first time the state would be experiencing a transition in the administration.

“Today’s event has placed a burden on all of us to pull together and stay together as one because we have the onerous responsibility to continue to sustain the legacies of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, which was good governance, properly called. Our leader and Governor, during his time, embarked upon several landmark projects, many of which have been completed and several are ongoing.

“We now have the responsibility to complete them. It is to the credit of Arakunrin Akeredolu that the State now has a flyover in Ore, while the one in Akure is ongoing. It is necessary for us to acknowledge with pride the wonderful achievements and legacies of Arakunrin Akeredolu. His records of performance are monumental and unprecedented,” Mr Aiyedatiwa added.

He, however, assured that the administration under his watch would continue to advance the welfare of the people of the state, pleading with the people of the state to continue to remember him in their prayers as he continued to emplace good governance in the state.

“I want to assure the people of Ondo State that under my watch, this administration shall continue to advance the welfare of the people. We shall always place the people first in every decision we take. It is my prayer, once more, that God Almighty shall grant the family and the people of Ondo State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“Let me use this opportunity to convey our deep appreciation to Mr President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the National Chairman of our party, His Excellency Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, the leaders of the party both at the National and State levels, the elders of our State, for providing succour and support to our State at this critical time,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Aiyedatiwa has announced a three-day mourning period starting from Thursday to honour the death of his boss, Mr Akeredolu.

He also declared that all the flags in the state should be flown at half-mast.

The state government had announced that Akeredolu, who had been absent from the state for over 6 months, died of prostate cancer.

Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, the state commissioner for information and orientation, who confirmed the demise of Akeredolu in an official statement to journalists, said the tragic death of the governor left behind a profound void in the heart of the state.