Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa Of Ondo State has declared that there is no armour against fate as “death lays his icy hand on kings.”

Aiyedatiwa spoke on Wednesday shortly after his swearing-in as 19th Governor of Ondo State.

The Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola swore in Aiyedatiwa.

Aiyedatiwa, who was Acting Governor, assumed the position of governor following the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in Germany in the early hours of Wednesday after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at 5:18p.m. at the Cocoa conference hall of the Governor’s Office, Akure.

In his acceptance speech, the Governor of Ondo State 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 State, having embarked on another medical leave on Wednesday, 13th December, 2023.

“Indeed, there is no armour against fate, death lays his icy hand on kings,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa commiserated with the immediate and extended family of the late Akeredolu, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the Olowo of Owo, the people of Owo and indeed the entire people of Ondo State over this monumental loss.

He also described the deceased as a man of courage who always stood with the truth, even to his own detriment.

‘Akeredolu died of prostate cancer’: Ondo govt speaks on gov’s death

Aiyedatiwa said the people of Ondo State and the entire South-West would not forget in a hurry the creation of Amotekun that checkmated banditry and kidnapping in the region.

“The demise of Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu is indeed a great loss to me as an individual as our relationship dated back to many years ago, having closely worked with him when his gubernatorial journey started in 2012,” he said.

The new governor said that his responsibility was to complete the landmark projects that his boss had started.

He acknowledged the achievement of his former boss and said he would continue to advance the welfare of the people in every decision he would take.

The governor later prayed that God would grant the Akeredolu family and people in Ondo state the fortitude to bear the loss.

He also appreciated President Bola Tinubu, his Vice, Kashim Shetima and all who have provided succour and support for the state during this period.

“I want to assure the people of Ondo State that under my watch, this administration shall continue to advance the welfare of the people. We shall always place the people first in every decision we take.

“It is my prayer, once more, that God Almighty shall grant the family and the people of Ondo State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.

The Star