Sunset for Akeredolu, new dawn for Lucky Aiyedatiwa

• Akeredolu succumbs to death at 67 years after battling prostate cancer
• ‘Doctors gave him January 2024 terminal prognosis.’
• Aiyedatiwa sworn in as Ondo’s seventh governor, says Akeredolu’s death unfortunate, devastating
• Akeredolu’s CPS, SA on Special Duties, Union Matters resign
• Tinubu grieves passage of Akeredolu, nudges Aiyedatiwa to remain steadfast
• Akeredolu’ll forever be remembered as a hero – NGF

The dramatic form of tragedy and the finality of death left a huge gash in the polity yesterday amid the Yuletide celebrations when reports filtered in during the day of the passing of the Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

The ominous reality of death’s lesson was further accentuated when at exactly 5:15p.m. yesterday, the embattled acting governor of Ondo, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was sworn in as the seventh civilian governor of the state, with death having appeared to have finally settled the scores between him and his boss, Akeredolu.

After surviving an intricate impeachment plot and having forced President Bola Tinubu’s intervention to activate the ‘doctrine of necessity’ twice before power was transmitted to him, thus enabling him to transmute from deputy governor to acting governor, a somber and queer kind of ‘luck’ smiled on Lucky Aiyedatiwa when the oath of office was administered on him by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusola, proclaiming him Ondo State governor, following the death of Akeredolu after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.

In his acceptance speech, Aiyedatiwa said he was sad over the death of his principal. “It is with heavy heart that I accept this onerous responsibility of taking over the reins of governance and affairs of our state following the unfortunate loss and passing of our beloved governor, leader and dear boss, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON.

“The death of our governor is indeed a devastating shock to us all, as we have all been praying earnestly for his quick recovery and subsequent safe return to Ondo, having embarked on another medical leave on Wednesday, December 13. Indeed, there is no armour against fate, death lays his icy hand on kings,” he said.