By Clifford Agugoesi, Editor-in-Chief
He would rank as one of the deputy governors in Nigerian history to be involved in high-wire political ostracisation, not by his principal, but by the latter’s stooges and political associates, claiming to be loyal to him but scheming to undo his lieutenant, by all means, by taking full advantage of his indisposition. But, like a good soldier, he fought on, his case not made any better by seen and unseen political enemies masquerading as defenders of his principal. He was maligned, despised, intimidated, lied against, falsely accused of undermining his principal(indeed, one conspiracy theory had it that he had a hand in his principal’s poor health), etc.
But he, defied all these to succeed his principal, upon the latter’s demise while away on medical leave. This is the story of Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Executive Governor of Ondo State.
Mr. Aiyedatiwa was selected as the running mate of the governor of Ondo State Rotimi Akeredolu in the 2020 Ondo State gubernatorial election.
On October 11, 2020, Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa were elected governor and deputy governor of Ondo State as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).
On February 25, 2021, they were sworn into office as governor and deputy governor of Ondo State respectively.
Aiyedatiwa became acting governor of Ondo State on December 13, 2023, as Akeredolu left for end-stage leukaemia treatment in a German hospital. He was previously acting governor from June to September 2023 when Akeredolu was on medical leave.
On December 27, 2023, Akeredolu died and Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as governor.
On Saturday, November 16, 2024, in the Ondo State off cycle elections, Aiyedatiwa was elected as governor of the state, in what many political analysts dub a well deserved victory. One of these is a former spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC) DCM Bisi Kazeem (Rtd).
In his letter of congratulations, to the Ondo State first citizen, seen by Cyber Era NG, Mr. Kazeem wrote:
“Dear Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa,
Executive Governor of Ondo State
Congratulations on a well deserved victory at the Polls.
“I am beyond thrilled to extend my warmest congratulations to you on your well-deserved victory in the recent elections! Your tireless efforts, unwavering dedication, and vision for a better future have resonated deeply with the people, and this triumph is a testament to your exceptional leadership.
Your success is not just a personal achievement but a beacon of hope for our state, inspiring confidence in our collective future. As you embark on this new term, I pray that you continue to be guided by wisdom, compassion, and strength.
May your tenure be marked by unparalleled progress, unity, and prosperity for all. You have proven yourself to be a true champion of the people, and I have no doubt that your continued service will bring about transformative change.
“Finally, you have won the election. Your victory to say the least, is a confirmation of vote of confidence by the good people of our dear State. This speaks much volume of how you have impacted on the lives of the people over the years. I know you will work for the people and this victory is a call to action.
Once again, congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment! May your leadership be blessed with wisdom, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the greater good of Ondo State.
Congratulations the People’s Governor!”
Everything going according to plans, Governor Aiyedatiwa would be receiving his Certificate of Returns along with his deputy from INEC at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, north central, Nigeria, on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
After that, a floodgate of congratulatory messages would come the way of the governor and his deputy to lend credence to the truism that failure is an orphan while success has many fathers.
