TheCable

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the new governor of Ondo, says President Bola Tinubu has advised him to take charge and galvanise everyone for the growth of the state.

Aiyedatiwa spoke with journalists on Thursday after meeting with Tinubu in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as governor of Ondo on Wednesday following the death of Rotimi Akeredolu, the former governor of the state.

Akeredolu died of prostate cancer complications.

Speaking after the meeting, Aiyedatiwa said he used the occasion to update the president on recent developments in the state.

The governor said he also appreciated the president for being a “father figure” during a crucial moment for the state.

“I’m here to see Mr. President, to further brief him on the events that happened in our state — the loss of our governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu,” Aiyedatiwa said.

“I also let him know that I have just been sworn in because there can never be a vacuum.”

Aiyedatiwa added that the president advised him to “pull everybody together to work” for the state.

“It was a paradox, a mixed feeling, he commiserated with me, even though he put a call through yesterday to condole with us in Ondo State, through me, he still did the same today, and also wished me well that there can never be a vacuum, one era ends, another one begins,” he said.

“So, it’s basically an advice and to also encourage me to take charge and mobilise everybody and to pull everybody together to work together and see how we can move the state forward.”