The Acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is scheduled to be inaugurated as the new governor of the state today in Akure, the state capital. He will be sworn in by the state Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola, in Akure at 4 pm, subject to any last-minute changes in plans.
Aiyedatiwa is currently on his way to Akure from his hometown of Igbokoda, where he had gone for the Christmas and New Year break. According to a top government source, the swearing-in will take place at the Cocoa Conference Hall in Akure, but the time has not yet been fixed.
Governor Akeredolu, who had been ill and recently returned from Germany after a three-month medical leave, passed away on Wednesday morning, causing widespread grief and condolences. Before his death, he had refused to travel to Akure to resume his duties as governor, which led to public outrage and calls for his resignation.
In November, Governor Akeredolu was directed by President Bola Tinubu to hand over power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who has been serving as the acting Governor. Peace has since been restored to the South West state following Tinubu’s intervention in the political impasse.