The newly sworn-in Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, shared his sentiments after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos State late Thursday night. Aiyedatiwa expressed a mix of emotions, describing President Tinubu’s response to the passing of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu as both sad and paradoxical.
Governor Aiyedatiwa revealed that President Tinubu, who reached out to him on Thursday to offer condolences, reiterated his support and encouragement during their meeting. Aiyedatiwa noted the uniqueness of the situation, as the state experiences a transition within the administration due to the untimely demise of Governor Akeredolu.
President Tinubu, despite the sorrowful circumstances, emphasized the continuity of governance, assuring Aiyedatiwa that there would be no vacuum in leadership. Aiyedatiwa shared that the President’s message served as both condolence and advice, urging him to take charge and unite the state, emphasizing the importance of collaboration for the progress of Ondo State.
He said “It was a paradox, a mixed feeling, he commiserated with me, even though he put a call through yesterday to condole with us in Ondo State, through me, he still did the same today, and also wished me well that there can never be a vacuum, one era ends, another one begins, but still within same administration and that’s the first time such a thing will be happening in Ondo State, to have a transition within an administration, due to the demise of the governor.
“So, it’s basically an advice and to also encourage me to take charge and mobilise everybody, one administration that we are known for. So to pull everybody together to work together and see how we can move the state forward.”