Ahead of the November 16, 2024 off-cycle Ondo State Gubernatorial election, prominent leaders of thought and credible political stakeholders in the state have continued to throw their weights behind the candidature of the incumbent Governor, His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
The latest is Dr. Aderotimi Adelola, the longest-serving Secretary to the State Government in the history of Ondo State, who served in the landmark administration of Dr Rahman Olusegun Mimiko from 2009 to 2017.
In a statement released in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Thursday, Dr Adelola disclosed that Governor Aiyedatiwa has been able to stabilize the state and sustain the legacy achievements of the Aketi administration and the preceding ones. According to Dr Adelola, Governor Aiyedatiwa has done enough to deserve the overwhelming support of the people of Ondo State.
Dr Adelola said he was thrilled to announce his endorsement of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the forthcoming governorship election, adding that as a former Secretary to the State Government under Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, he had the privilege of observing and participating actively in the development of Ondo State.
“As a keen observer of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s activities and performance, since he was inaugurated as the substantive Governor of Ondo State, l have noticed that he possesses the required leadership passion to propel the State toward greater heights. His capacity to drive progress and innovation is impressive; his initiatives have positively impacted various sectors; and his commitment to preserve and promote Ondo State’s rich cultural heritage is commendable”, he added.
Dr Adelola noted that as someone who has served the state with a helicopter view of its development needs, he believes Governor Aiyedatiwa is the right leader to take Ondo State to the next level of socioeconomic and cultural development. “I urge all well-meaning citizens to, therefore, unite and ensure his continued leadership for the benefit of our beloved state”, he stated.
Meanwhile, Dr Adelola has hailed the appointment of Hon. Abiola Makinde as the Director General of the Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation, describing Makinde’s choice as a square peg in a square hole. “One will always remember the creativity you deployed to your electioneering campaign for the House of Representative election and the positive results it yielded. Undoubtedly, the Aiyedatiwa campaign will benefit from a similar approach with you in the driver’s seat”, Dr Adelola opined.
According to INEC, over two million voters can participate in the exercise. Governor Aiyedatiwa, the incumbent, is challenged by HE, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, the PDP flag bearer, and a former Deputy Governor of the state, and others. Aiyedatiwa of the APC is being touted as the favourite given his performance since he became the substantive governor following the death of Arakunrin Olurotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, on December 27, 2023.
Dr. Aderotimi Adelola, PhD, a renowned organisational psychologist recently authored a book, “Working under the Sunshine: Reminiscences on How a State Government in Nigeria Created Values for the People”. The book reveals the inspiring and emulatable success secrets and principles of a state government in Nigeria, focusing on how a people-oriented and outcome-focused government can create value on a sustained basis for stakeholders. The book offers a unique perspective on how the Mimiko administration was able to record phenomenal achievements that impacted positively the lives of citizens who were in the majority and on the fringes of society.
