– Akoko APC leaders assure Gov of victory

– Olukare, Owa-Ale, Zaki endorse Gov’s continuity

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, concluded his campaign tour round the 18 local government areas of the State on Thursday, expressing optimism that he will clinch the ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to contest the November 16 governorship election.

In a statement released by Ebenezer Adeniyan, the CPS to the Governor, he noted that Aiyedatiwa addressed jubilant crowds of APC supporters gathered across the three council areas of Akoko North West, Akoko North East, and Akoko South East, urging them to remain steadfast till Saturday’s primary.

The Governor thanked the party leaders from all 18 local government areas who joined him on the 7-day campaign tour, while also thanking the dedicated party loyalists for their warm and enthusiastic reception in their various areas.

The Governor and his team visited Oke-agbe, Ikare and Isua in conclusion of the tour and the people of the three local government areas came out in their thousands to receive the team.

Speaking with party faithful in Okeagbe, the Governor said: “throughout this campaign journey, the immense support I’ve garnered stresses the resounding desire of the people of Ondo State for continuity. This affirmation is rooted in the remarkable progress achieved during the short period we have spent in office. The people of Ondo State yearn for the continuation of this positive trajectory, and it’s evident that they believe I am the right candidate to lead this charge.

“Therefore, I urge everyone to identify with me in their various wards on Saturday, so that the developmental phase we have embarked on can continue. Let us ensure that our collective voices are heard loud and clear.”

While speaking at Ikare, Governor Aiyedatiwa promised increased developmental projects to strengthen the status of Ikare as one of the major economic hubs of the State.

Also at Isua, while addressing the crowd of party members, the Governor expressed gratitude for their overwhelming support which will translate to victory at the primary. He expressed his gratitude for their trust in him, assuring them of continued progress in his administration.

Earlier, the Zaki of Arigidi Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh, and the Owa Ale of Ikare, Oba Adeleke Adegbite Adedoyin, along with other traditional rulers in Akoko, expressed unwavering confidence in Aiyedatiwa’s victory at the primary, while endorsing him for continuity.

The traditional rulers hailed the leadership style of the Governor and gave him their prayers and royal blessings to emerge as the candidate of the APC and win the governorship election in November.

The Executive Governor of Ondo State, Lucky  Aiyedatiwa, on Friday inaugurated the 12 newly appointed Commissioners into the State Executive Council.

This was disclosed in a statement released by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary Ebenezer Adeniyan on Friday.

The newly inaugurated Commissioners are Pastor Segun Ayerin, Mr Olaolu Akindolire, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, Dr Banji Ajaka, Mr Boye Ologbese, Mr Sunday Akinwalire, Deaconess Lola Fagbemi, Mr Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, Mr Rasheed Badmus, Mr Olayato Aribo, Mr Adewale Akinlosotu and Barr Gbenga Olaniyi.

The Governor urged them to justify their appointments through dedicated service, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to accelerated development and good governance.

The governor said; “Let me congratulate the newly inaugurated appointees for being worthy of consideration as Honourable Commissioners in Ondo State. Some of you are returning, while others are new Commissioners. In the main, you have a duty to justify your appointment or reappointment as the case may be. I must inform you that this administration is in a hurry to deliver on its mandate and make life more meaningful to the people.

“The torch of accelerated development that we hold aloft in trust for the people is irreversible. You must guard your loins and hit the ground running in your various offices. You must foster a good working relationship with the workers, especially the Permanent Secretaries and other Accounting Officers.

“Let us bear in mind that the government and people of Ondo State are united in their thirst for credible performance, development and good governance. You must excuse corruption or any act that is not nurturing to good governance and overriding public interest. Thus, I like to implore all friends, families and well-wishers of the new appointees to refrain from putting undue pressures on them so that they can concentrate and discharge their duties in the overall best interest of the State.”

Highlighting the administration’s accomplishments in various sectors, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the strides made in addressing salary arrears, gratuity payments, employment opportunities, infrastructure development, and security enhancement.

He stressed the administration’s focus on collaboration with federal and corporate entities to stimulate economic growth and ensure food security in the state.

The Governor called for peaceful conduct during the upcoming gubernatorial primary elections, stressing the importance of upholding democratic principles and avoiding divisive actions.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, emphasized the importance of wholehearted commitment from the newly inaugurated Commissioners. He stressed that their forthcoming responsibilities transcend mere formalities, symbolizing principles of justice and equity.

Oluwatuyi urged them to labor tirelessly, demonstrating unwavering dedication, reminding them that the authority vested in their positions is not for personal enrichment but for the welfare of the people.

Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated Commissioners, Dr Banji Ajaka appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for the trust reposed in them, with a promise not to disappoint the Governor and the people of the State.

The Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin is ill and not physically fit to rule as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The Otun-Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Abimbola Ajibola, stated this on Tuesday.

Olubadan stool became vacant after the demise of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, who reigned for two years and died at 81.

Olakulehin would rank among the oldest monarchs to ascend to the position.

Ajibola, who made this known in a briefing at his Sanyo private residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, said the Olubadan-Designate be given time to get well before he is pronounced.

He said: “What is in need for hurry? Someone (Olakulehin) we have not seen. He has not spoken with us. He has not spoken with Ibadan people.

“I am his second in command, I’m his lieutenant. He has not called me to say, ‘My Otun, I’m back. So, tell your people. And when are you seeing me?’ They are just forcing him because of their own selfish interest.”