I am Akeredolu' s anointed candidate - Gov Aiyedatiwa fires

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa said he is the anointed candidate of the late Rotimi Akeredolu as he officially announced his intention to run for the Ondo State Governorship Election slated for November 16, 2024.

Aiyedatiwa told supporters at the Gani Fawehinmi Arcade, Akure on Tuesday, March 12 that "it was his (Akeredolu) wish that I succeed him, not in death though, as the next Governor of the State.”

The governor succeeded late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu after the latter’s death on December 27, 2023.

“Just about this time three years ago, our late leader and former Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON and my humble self as Deputy Governor, mounted the soap box to seek your support to govern this blessed State. You all gladly gave your support and ensured our victory under a joint ticket of the APC,” he stated

“Distinguished citizens and party faithful, I must re-echo what our late leader had always wished for in his lifetime. It was his wish that I succeed him, not in death though, as the next Governor of the State.”

His claim to be the anointed leader has seen pushback as a former Commissioner for Finance in the state, Wale Akinterinwa also said Akeredolu anointed him as his successor.

While there is yet to be clarity on Akeredolu's anointed candidate, reports indicate the late governor’s widow, Betty Akeredolu-Anyanwu does not support Aiyedatiwa’s governorship bid as she recently scolded her late husband’s niece for backing Aiyedatiwa’s ambition.

However, Aiyedatiwa maintained that his late principal wanted him to carry on after him (Akeredolu). Aiyedatiwa said, “All was with one conviction and implicit confidence in me to carry on the torch of accelerated development which he lighted first in 2017 and later renewed under a joint ticket for both of us in the 2021 gubernatorial election.

“My mission would focus on key developmental issues to alleviate poverty, banish hunger and make Ondo State self-sustaining. My development agenda is to emplace a State Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (SEEDS).

“Today, I offer myself to lead, not to rule, to respect your wishes, not to dominate you, and to lead by example of humility, good character and empathy, which I have demonstrated in office since 2021.”