As Aiyedatiwa becomes Ondo governor, Akeredolu’s CPS Olatunde resigns

As Aiyedatiwa becomes Ondo governor, Akeredolu CPS Olatunde resigns

The acting governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has been sworn in as the substantive governor of the state.

As this happened on Wednesday, Richard Olatunde, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to former Ondo Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, resigned from his position.

Aiyedatiwa’s swearing in came following the demise of late governor Rotimi Akeredolu in the early hours of Wednesday, December 27, in Germany.

The swearing-in was held at the Cocoa Conference Hall in the Governor’s Office, Akure, the state capital.

The state’s chief judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola, administered the oath at 5:18pm.

The new governor’s speech

Aiyedatiwa, in his opening remarks, said, “It is with a heavy heart that I accept this honorous responsibility of taking over the reins of governance and affairs of our state after the unfortunate loss and passing of our beloved governor and leader and my dear principal Arakurin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.

“Today’s event has placed a burden on all of us to stay together as one because we have a onerous responsibility to continue to sustain the legacies of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, which was good governance.

“We now have the responsibility to complete them. It is necessary for us to acknowledge with pride the wonderful achievements and legacies of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON.”

Olatunde in his resignation letter explained that his decision to resign was hinged on the untimely death of his principal, Akeredolu.

He described his late principal as one who was courageous, truthful and honest.

Olatunde said, “It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I tender my resignation as the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, effective today, Wednesday, December 27, 2023.

”My decision to resign is hinged on the unfortunate and untimely demise of our leader, principal and father figure, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.”