Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been sworn in as the Governor of Ondo State, marking the beginning of his first full four-year term after succeeding Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who passed away in 2023.

The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure, the state capital, two months after Aiyedatiwa won the governorship election under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor took his oath of office at exactly 12:59 pm, shortly after his deputy, Olayide Adelami, was sworn in. He then rode in an open-roof van around the complex, acknowledging cheers from supporters.

Speaking after his inauguration, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to good governance, assuring the people that he and his deputy would not relent in their efforts.

“We assure you that the overwhelming renewed mandate you have freely given to us has placed upon us a huge burden of leadership, and we promise never to rest on our oars. My deputy and I make a solemn pledge today to lead and govern with the fear of God and with utmost dedication to the progress of our state. We will prioritise the welfare of our people, particularly the most vulnerable among us—the poor, the sick, and the marginalised,” he stated.

Aiyedatiwa also pledged to drive economic growth and attract investment over the next four years. “We will work with interested investors and development partners to ensure that Port Ondo becomes a reality. Additionally, we will facilitate investments to harness our vast deposits of bitumen for both local use and export, thereby generating significant revenue for the state,” he added.

The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; former Governor of Osun State, Bisi Akande; former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba; Minister of Youth, Ayodele Olawande; and Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, among others.

The inauguration formally completes the succession process in Ondo State, with Aiyedatiwa now set to lead the next administration for the next four years.

His journey to the Government House in Alagbaka, Akure, was not without hurdles, as he faced stiff competition from Agboola Ajayi, a former deputy governor who contested against him under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Aiyedatiwa secured his extended stay in office after winning the November 16, 2024, governorship election, where he was declared the winner by the Returning Officer, Olayemi Akinwumi, who also serves as the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State.

The APC candidate polled 366,781 votes, defeating Ajayi, who garnered 117,845 votes—less than a third of Aiyedatiwa’s tally. The final results showed that the APC swept all 18 local government areas in a landslide victory.