NIGERIA: Aiyedatiwa Mourns Akeredolu, As Tinubu Congratulates Him On Fresh Term

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has expressed deep sorrow over the absence of his predecessor, the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, at his swearing-in ceremony on Monday.

Speaking during his inaugural address in Akure, Aiyedatiwa paid tribute to Akeredolu’s visionary leadership and selfless service to the state.

He described the late governor as a courageous leader who “literally emptied himself in the service of Ondo State and Nigeria.”

He said: “Permit me to express special gratitude to my immediate predecessor, our visionary leader, the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, who worked tirelessly to develop our state for about seven years before he took a glorious bow to join the Saints Triumphant.

“We must not forget this courageous and personable leader who literally emptied himself in the service of Ondo State and Nigeria. His legacy continues to inspire us to build upon the foundations he laid.”

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has also congratulated Aiyedatiwa on his fresh term in office.

This was contained in a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, where the President urged the Ondo Governor to serve the people diligently and build on Akeredolu’s legacy.

Tinubu stated; “You have a rare privilege to succeed your illustrious predecessor, who worked for the growth and development of the state and advanced the progress of Nigeria as a whole.

“I urge you to work in the best interest of the people of the state and our country as a whole. I will be your partner in progress to usher in a new era of prosperity for the people of Ondo State.”

The president also advised Aiyedatiwa to focus on expanding economic opportunities, reducing poverty, improving security, and enhancing infrastructure in the state.