Lucky Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as the governor of Ondo State on Wednesday at the Government House in Alagbaka, Akure.
This development followed the death of the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, on Wednesday at the age of 67 in Germany.
Akeredolu, according to the state government, died of prostate cancer.
Akeredolu had embarked on two separate medical vacations, the first on April 3, 2023, and the second on July 10, 2023. On September 7, he returned to the country and promptly notified the state House of Assembly.
After taking the oath of office as the Ondo State Governor following the death of his former boss, Akeredolu, Aiyedatiwa has announced five fresh appointments.
In a statement on Wednesday, Aiyedatiwa announced that seasoned journalist Ebenezer Adeniyan would be his Chief Press Secretary and Sunday Abire would be his Special Assistant on New Media.
In the statement signed by the State Deputy Chief of Staff, Olusegun Omojuwa, the governor also announced Smart Omodunbi as the Special Assistant to the Governor (Political Matters), Motunrayo Oyedele as the Special Assistant to the Governor (Photography), and Temitayo Iperepolu as the special Assistant to the Governor (Domestic and Government House).
According to a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, the governor died in Germany on Wednesday after battling prostate cancer.
The statement was titled “It’s a sad day in Ondo State’.
The statement read, “With a heavy heart, the Ondo State Government announces the passing of our beloved Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.
“Mr. Governor peacefully departed from this world in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 27, 2023. This tragedy has left behind a profound void in our hearts.
“Governor Akeredolu answered the eternal call while receiving medical treatment in Germany. He succumbed to complications arising from protracted prostate cancer.”
It noted that a letter had been sent to President Bola Tinubu to inform him of the governor’s death officially.
“The family and the Ondo State Government appreciate Mr. President for his support for Governor Akeredolu during his illness. The family and the state government will release further details regarding the funeral arrangements.
“Governor Akeredolu was an extraordinary leader whose unwavering dedication to the state and its people was both commendable and unparalleled. He not only served as the Governor of Ondo State but also emerged as a prominent advocate for the entire Southwest region and the nation. Governor Akeredolu was a courageous leader and an exemplar of integrity. The weight of this loss is truly unbearable.
“However, we find solace in the knowledge that Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu lived a purposeful life, devoted to the service of God Almighty,” the statement added.
