In the wake of the demise of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, has been sworn in as the state’s substantive Executive Governor.

The oath of office was administered by the State Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odosola, at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s office in Akure.

Present at the swearing-in ceremony were top judges in the state, government officials, and politicians.

Akeredolu passed away at the age of 67 in Germany on Wednesday after battling leukemia.

On December 12, he handed over power to Aiyedatiwa, who assumed the role of Acting Governor during Akeredolu’s medical leave.

Aiyedatiwa, in his speech, said it was with a heavy heart he took over governance of the state after the death of Akeredolu.

He said, “It is a devastating thing for us to lose our dear governor. This is a monumental loss. It is a great loss to me as an individual.”

Aiyedatiwa’s journey to becoming the governor of Ondo State spanned a year, marked by health challenges faced by Akeredolu and political controversies.