Ondo State’s newly sworn-in governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has announced the appointment of five aides hours after taking the oath of office following the death of Rotimi Akeredolu.
Aiyedatiwa’s first set of appointments was announced in a statement on Wednesday by his deputy chief of staff, Omojuwa Olusegun.
The move comes amid a wave of resignations from officials who served under the late Akeredolu.
Akeredolu died on Wednesday morning after an extended health battle while receiving medical treatment in Germany.
The new appointees include seasoned journalist Ebenezer Adeniyan as Chief Press Secretary and Sunday Abire as Special Assistant on New Media.
The new governor also appointed Smart Omodunbi as Special Assistant on Political Matters, Monturayo Oyedele as Special Assistant on Photography, and Temitayo Iperepolu as Special Assistant on Domestic and Government House matters.
The first set of appointments takes immediate effect.
Meanwhile, the sudden passing of Governor Akeredolu has prompted two of his appointees to resign from their position.
Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Dare Aragbaye, tendered his resignation citing loyalty to his deceased principal.
Aragbaye, in a letter addressed to the Secretary to the State Government SSG and dated December 27, Aragbaye said he was resigning because of the death of the governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
“l write to refer to the subject above and to resign my appointment as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties with effect from today, Wednesday, 27 December, 2023,” Aragbaye said.
“My decision to resign is based on the unfortunate death of my Principal a fearless and honest leader, Governor Arakunm Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN CON, whom I am loyal to even in death.”
Similarly, Senior Special Assistant on Sexual Duties and Strategy, Oladoyin Odebowale, also resigned, but did not state his reason.
Meanwhile, the newly sworn-in governor of the state, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, announced three days of state mourning in honour of the late Akeredolu in a statement issued by the state’s spokesperson, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan.
Aiyedatiwa said the period of mourning, with fasting and prayer, takes effect from Thursday, December 28 to Saturday, December 30, 2023.
He added that all national flags are to be flown at half-mast in reflection of the mood of the state for seven days.
The governor also announced the suspension of state government ceremonies during this period of mourning.
Aiyedatiwa stated that condolence registers have been opened at the Governor’s Office and the Government House in Akure, as well as state liaison offices in Lagos and Abuja.
