Lucky Ayedatiwa has been sworn-in as the substantial governor of Ondo state after the announcement of the death of former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu in Germany.

Akeredolu died in the early hours of Wednesday as a result of complications from medical treatment he was receiving in Europe.

Although it was generally believed that Akeredolu died of Leukemia, the Ondo state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju in a statement said: “Governor Akeredolu answered the eternal call while receiving medical treatment in Germany. He succumbed to complications arising from protracted prostate cancer.”

In respect of Section 191(1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, the state Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola administered the oath of office on the Ayedatiwa to take up the full responsibilities of a governor.

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The constitution states: “The Deputy Governor of a State shall hold the office of Governor of the State if the office of Governor becomes vacant by reason of death, resignation, impeachment, permanent incapacity, or removal of the governor from office for any other reason in accordance with sections 188 or 189 of this constitution.”

Governor Ayedatiwa will complete the tenure of Rotimi Akeredolu which elapses next year. Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Comission (INEC) had earlier announced that the next Governorship election in the state will hold on Saturday 16th November 2024.

Party primaries will hold from 6th – 27th April 2024 while the submission of the list of nominated candidates via the online portal will start at 9.00 am on 29th April 2024 and close at 6.00pm on 20th May 2024.