The Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), aged 67, passed away on Wednesday morning while undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. His deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as the substantive governor of the state in a somber ceremony on Wednesday evening by the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola.
In his address, Aiyedatiwa said, “It is with a heavy heart that I accept this onerous responsibility of taking over the reins of governance and affairs of our state after the unfortunate loss and passing of our beloved governor and my dear principal Arakurin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.
“The death of our governor is indeed a devastating shock to us, as we have all been praying earnerstly for his quick recovery and subsequent safe return to Ondo State, having embarked on another medical leave on Wednesday, 13th December 2023.”
He declared 3 days of mourning and also promised to build on the progress of his predecessor.
Meanwhile, top government officials including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, amongst others, have issued tributes to the late governor.
