Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has disclosed that his late predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu, openly endorsed him to continue the leadership of Ondo State before his passing.
Speaking during a radio interview monitored by PalacePulse News, the governor said the late Akeredolu made his position clear during a cabinet meeting attended by commissioners and other top government officials.
The interview, anchored by renowned media personalities including Reuben Abati and Babajide Otitoju, provided the governor with an opportunity to address several issues ranging from governance and development to security and education in the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa stated that Akeredolu publicly anointed him and encouraged him to continue the administration’s development agenda.
According to him, “My late boss made it known during a cabinet meeting that I should continue from where he stopped. He openly supported me and encouraged the team to cooperate with me in moving the state forward.”
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, the governor pointed to several major economic projects currently underway in Ondo State.
These include ongoing bitumen exploration, the development of a deep seaport, and plans for a refinery with a processing capacity of about 500,000 barrels per day, which he said would commence operations soon.
He also disclosed that a fertilizer production plant is part of the state’s broader industrial development strategy.
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that while some critics may describe him as quiet, his work and projects will ultimately define his leadership.
“I am not a quiet governor,” he said. “The projects we are executing across the state will speak for us.”
On the issue of security, the governor maintained that Ondo State remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, although he acknowledged that occasional isolated incidents still occur.
To further strengthen security, he revealed that about 500 new operatives have recently been recruited into the Amotekun Corps to enhance surveillance and protection across communities.
Speaking on the political atmosphere in the state, Governor Aiyedatiwa insisted that the ruling party remains united and focused on development.
In the education sector, the governor noted that his administration has embarked on the construction of additional classrooms in secondary schools across the state to improve learning conditions. He also confirmed that outstanding salary arrears owed to workers of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic are being paid.
While acknowledging the achievements of the late Governor Akeredolu, Aiyedatiwa said his administration is building upon the strong foundation already laid.
He praised Akeredolu for numerous projects executed during his tenure but noted that the previous administration faced financial constraints that limited the scale of development.
According to him, the current administration now has improved funding capacity, which is enabling the state government to pursue more ambitious projects aimed at accelerating growth and development in Ondo State.
