In a deep dive into his journey to power, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described his 2023 survival as a miracle of leadership and loyalty.
Despite facing allegations of "gross misconduct" and a united front from lawmakers, he managed to stay the course and eventually become the elected Governor of Ondo State.
In September 2023, while Governor Akeredolu was unwell, political rivals tried to impeach Aiyedatiwa to prevent him from taking over the leadership.
Aiyedatiwa thanked President Tinubu for acting as a "good leader" by stepping in to resolve the fight between the Deputy Governor and the House of Assembly.
The Governor insisted he wasn't an accidental leader, noting that the late Akeredolu had interpreted his name (Aiyedatiwa) during their swearing-in to mean he was destined for the top job.
After the passing of Governor Akeredolu, Aiyedatiwa completed the term and was officially voted in as Governor during the 2024 Ondo governorship election.
(A summary of the Governor's full remarks during the media chat)
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa explained that his path to the governorship was nearly blocked by an impeachment notice in late 2023. He confirmed that all 26 members of the House of Assembly were ready to remove him until President Bola Tinubu intervened.
He also addressed the "division" that occurred during late Governor Akeredolu's illness, stating that many actors were "eyeing the office" and saw the impeachment as a way to clear their path.
Finally, he pointed to a documented declaration made by Akeredolu on February 24, 2021, where the late principal stated that Aiyedatiwa would eventually move on from the role of Deputy Governor to lead the state.
