Arrangements are underway to swear in the Acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as the state governor following the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. Aiyedatiwa, who was in his hometown for the Christmas break when the news broke, will soon arrive in the state capital, Akure, for the swearing-in ceremony.
The swearing-in has been tentatively scheduled for 4 pm, pending any last-minute changes. The state Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola, is expected to preside over the ceremony.
Aiyedatiwa was the deputy governor until December 13 when power was formally transferred to him after Governor Akeredolu went on another medical vacation. The state government confirmed the death of Governor Akeredolu, stating that he passed away in Germany after battling prostate cancer.
The governor had previously embarked on two separate medical vacations, the first on April 3, 2023, and the second on July 10, 2023. He returned to the country on September 7 and notified the state House of Assembly. The official statement released by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation expressed sorrow over the governor’s passing and highlighted that he succumbed to complications arising from protracted prostate cancer.