Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has promised to give the deceased governor of Ondo state, Rotimi Akeredolu, a befitting state funeral.

In a statewide broadcast of his New Year’s message on Monday, the governor announced plans to immortalise his late boss, former governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who passed a few days into the new year.

Mr Aiyedatiwa said, “It was a year that ended with the unfortunate loss of our dear former Governor and Leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON. Arakunrin left an indelible mark on the annals of time, and his contributions to the development of our state, and indeed Nigeria, are etched in history.

“As we have promised, we will not only give our late former Governor a befitting State burial but will also immortalise his name, just as we will strive to complete all the developmental projects he embarked upon as governor of Ondo state.”

The Ondo governor added that Mr Akeredolu’s death “was preceded by events that tested us in diverse ways, but those challenges have shaped our resolve to, more than ever before, bring our people together and pursue the attainment of a peaceful and prosperous Ondo state.”

He urged everyone to “put the past behind us and focus all our human and material resources into building on the foundation that this administration has so far laid.”

Mr Aiyedatiwa added that his administration was more than prepared to ensure the development of Ondo, stressing that the 2024 appropriation bill recently signed into law would allow him to hit the ground running.

Meanwhile, he warned politicians against heating the polity as Ondo prepares for the 2024 governorship election, which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had scheduled for November 2024.

Aside from the governorship poll, the participating political parties are expected to conduct their primaries for the election and elect party candidates by April.

Mr Aiyedatiwa pleaded with political gladiators to eschew violence that could threaten the state’s peace.

“As we are all aware, this is also the year for our governorship election. Expectedly, political activities will gain prominence as we march towards the election,” the Ondo governor said.

Mr Aiyedatiwa added, “However, let me implore all political parties, aspirants and their followers to eschew violent conduct that can threaten the peace and tranquillity of our state and ensure that they follow strictly the guidelines issued by the electoral umpire.

“The election should be a contest of ideas and choices and not an opportunity to settle political scores or an excuse for calumny.”