By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has formally assumed office, marking the start of his first full four-year term.
His inauguration took place on Monday at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure, two months after securing victory in the November 17, 2024, governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During the election, Aiyedatiwa polled 366,781 votes, defeating Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who secured 117,845 votes.
Nejo Adeyemi of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) trailed behind with 4,138 votes.
His transition from deputy governor to the state’s leader initially occurred on December 23, 2023, following the passing of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Shortly after taking the oath of office, Aiyedatiwa granted pardons to 43 convicts, an announcement he made in his inaugural address.
He stated that the decision was made in consultation with the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
“Having had time with the state advisory council’s objective of mercy, this administration, on December 24, 2024, considered the list of convicts deserving of the governor’s mercy.
Today, I am exercising that power conferred on me to pardon 43 convicts,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa also reassured citizens of his administration’s commitment to governance, pledging to prioritise economic development, social welfare, and key infrastructure projects.
He emphasised plans to transform the state’s economy by collaborating with investors to develop Port Ondo and harness Ondo’s extensive bitumen deposits for revenue generation.
“We will work with interested investors and development partners to ensure that our Port Ondo becomes a reality.
“Additionally, we will facilitate investment in our large deposit of bitumen for both local use and export purposes, generating significant revenue for the state,” he added.
The governor promised to govern with a sense of responsibility, focusing on the welfare of the poor, the sick, and marginalised communities.
His inauguration was attended by top political figures, including APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, Minister of Youth Ayodele Olawande, and Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
