The acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has vowed to sustain the development strides embarked upon by his boss, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, noting that the intrigues over his principal’s ill-health stalled governance in the state.
Aiyedatiwa, who stated this during a statewide broadcast, appealed to the people of the state and all stakeholders to unite and work together towards achieving the shared vision for the state.
According to the acting governor, the issues and intrigues played up with the ill-health of the governor were unnecessary and avoidable, stressing that they were distractions that affected the progress of the state.
Akeredolu had on Wednesday written a letter to the state’s House of Assembly stating that he would be embarking on medical leave, hence the transmission of power to Aiyedatiwa.
While speaking on the political climate that recently engulfed the state, the acting governor stated that the crisis had tested the collective love for the state and democracy.
He, however, emphasised the need for reconciliation, urging everyone to put the past behind them and join hands in fostering the state’s development.
“We admit with all sense of responsibility that the intrigues that ensued due to Mr. Governor’s health challenges were indeed avoidable distractions.
“We ought to have done better to keep giving Ondo State the seamless and solid governance that Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, had established in the state in the last six and a half years.”
“As a government, we must appreciate the sovereignty of the people that voted us into office, and we regret in no unmistakable terms the toll which this whole episode has inflicted on the psyche of the people and the development of the state.
“Despite all these, my dear people, I come to you today to urge you all not to relent, as you have always done, in your prayers for the quick restoration of good health and strength to our leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON.”
