The Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has challenged the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on good governance as he is now in charge of the state.

Elders of the group led by Rebeun Fasoranti, gave the charge on Wednesday when Mr Ayedatiwa visited the home of its foremost leader at his private residence in Ijapo, Akure.

Speaking, Mr Fasoranti, who offered a prayer for the governor, said now that Mr Aiyedatiwa is in charge, he should not forget those who stood by him during challenging times.

“You are in charge now, take charge. Never forget those who stood by you during challenging times. May divine guidance and wisdom accompany you in this significant phase of leadership. I pray for success and prosperity in your administration,” he said.

Olu Falae, one of the elders of the group and erstwhile Secretary to the Government of the Federation, charged the governor to join his colleagues in the South-West region to implement policies that would protect and preserve the Yoruba language.

Mr Falae, who highlighted the urgency of preserving the Yoruba language from the brink of extinction, clamoured for a need to preserve the cultural heritage of the region.

He, however, commended the Ondo government for its leadership in positive change, especially in establishing the Amotekun security outfit aimed at securing lives and property within the region.

Earlier, a chieftain of the group, Seinde Arogbofa, extended condolences to Mr Aiyedatiwa on the demise of his former principal, Rotimi Akeredolu, who died of prostate cancer.

Pledging the support of the Afenifere leaders, Mr Arogbofa urged Mr Aiyedatiwa to leave a lasting mark on the state by ensuring that the welfare of the people of the state was not left out.

Remarking, the governor lauded the contributions of the Afenifere elders to the socio, political and cultural development of the state and Nigeria as a whole.

Accompanied by top government officials and aides, Mr Aiyedatiwa said the visit was to pay homage to the elders and leaders for the fatherly role they played in restoring peace during the political crisis in the state.

“I extend my heartfelt greetings to (Chief) Reuben Fasoranti and the distinguished elders present. Your wisdom and guidance have been invaluable to our state’s stability. In the past, during challenging times, your intervention, particularly the letter you wrote to President Bola Tinubu advocating constitutional adherence, restored peace to our state. Your counsel has been instrumental,” he said.

He, however, reiterated to give his former boss, the late Akeredolu a befitting burial and continue his ongoing developmental projects and programmes.