Aiyedatiwa Sworn in as Ondo Governor, Grants Freedom to 43 Convicts

Aiyedatiwa Sworn in as Ondo Governor, Grants Freedom to 43 Convicts

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has officially taken office, marking the beginning of his first full four-year term.

The ceremony was held on Monday at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure, following his victory in the November 17, 2024, governorship election. Aiyedatiwa, who ran under the All Progressives Congress (APC), secured 366,781 votes, defeating Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who received 117,845 votes. Nejo Adeyemi of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) finished third with 4,138 votes.

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Aiyedatiwa’s journey to the governor’s office began on December 23, 2023, when he assumed the role of acting governor after the passing of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

In his inaugural speech, shortly after taking the oath of office, Aiyedatiwa announced that he had granted a pardon to 43 convicts. He explained that the decision came after consultations with the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

“After working with the advisory council on the matter of mercy, this administration reviewed the list of those deserving of the governor’s pardon. Today, I am exercising the power vested in me to free 43 convicts,” he said.

The new governor also reassured the people of Ondo State of his commitment to good governance. He pledged to focus on economic development, social welfare, and vital infrastructure projects.

Aiyedatiwa outlined plans to boost the state’s economy, with special attention to the development of Port Ondo and the utilization of Ondo’s vast bitumen reserves to generate revenue.

“We will work closely with investors and development partners to bring Port Ondo to life,” he stated. “Additionally, we will foster investments in our abundant bitumen resources for local use and export, contributing significantly to the state’s revenue.”

He also promised to lead with a strong sense of responsibility, with a focus on improving the lives of the poor, the sick, and marginalized communities in the state.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several notable 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.