Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has officially declared his intention to contest in the upcoming gubernatorial election slated for November 16, 2024. This announcement came shortly after the burial of the immediate past Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who passed away on December 27, 2023, after battling a prolonged illness.
Governor Aiyedatiwa made his declaration while speaking on TVC News on Friday, following the interment of Akeredolu’s remains at his country home in Owo, Ondo State. Emphasizing his commitment to serving the state, Aiyedatiwa asserted that he aspires to run for the governorship position, highlighting his desire to utilize the constitutional provisions to govern effectively.
“I will be running. I’m already a sitting governor, and let me say this, nobody wants to be governor for one year. Give me what the Constitution allows me to do. At least, let me also have the chance of running for one more time,” Aiyedatiwa stated.
Meanwhile, prominent political figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, paid their respects to the late Governor Akeredolu at the funeral service. Tinubu praised Akeredolu as a fearless leader and a dedicated servant of the people, highlighting his unwavering commitment to the welfare of his constituents.
“We are gathered here today to bid farewell to a remarkable soul, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON,” remarked Tinubu, acknowledging Akeredolu’s courage and steadfastness in serving his people.
Vice President Shettima echoed similar sentiments, commending Akeredolu’s enduring legacy of service to the nation. The eulogies delivered by Tinubu and Shettima underscored Akeredolu’s contributions as a fearless advocate for his community and a respected leader in Ondo State.
Overall, the funeral service served as a poignant tribute to Governor Akeredolu’s remarkable life and legacy, while Governor Aiyedatiwa’s declaration sets the stage for a potentially significant political transition in Ondo State.
