Despite being sworn in as the substantive governor of Ondo State three weeks ago, Lucky Aiyedatiwa is yet to occupy the governor’s office situated at the government house in Alagbaka, Akure, the state capital. Saturday PUNCH’s observation reveals that Governor Aiyedatiwa has been conducting official business from his former Deputy Governor’s office.
Assuming office on December 27, 2023, following the demise of the late former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, Aiyedatiwa pledged in his maiden address to seamlessly continue his predecessor’s work and assured stakeholders of inclusivity in his administration. Despite the promising start, the governor’s delay in moving into the official governor’s office has raised eyebrows.
Reports indicate that after his swearing-in, Governor Aiyedatiwa held discussions with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos. However, it was noted that Tinubu advised him to first reorganize the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state before selecting a deputy governor. The governor is reportedly consulting with a deputy from either the central or northern senatorial districts of the state.
A source within the Governor’s Office disclosed that as of Friday, Aiyedatiwa had not shifted to the main governor’s office. Instead, he continued to utilize the former office designated for the deputy governor’s functions. The source also mentioned that the governor had not been utilizing the government house and the governor’s residential lodge.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, acknowledged the use of the presidential lodge for receiving visitors, citing ongoing renovations in certain areas. Adeniyan clarified, “The governor has been using the Government House; he receives visitors at the presidential lodge. Others are undergoing renovation. Very soon, everything will be alright. The new building in the Government House is nearing completion, and he might be using it there. The main governor’s office too is under renovation; after the renovation, the governor will move in.”
