By John Ogunsemore
The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa has called on the opposition to join hands with his administration to move the state forward following his victory in Saturday’s gubernatorial election in the state.
Aiyedatiwa made the call in his acceptance speech after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him as winner of the election.
The Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, who is also the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State said the governor secured 366,781 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who got 117,845 votes.
“I, Professor Olayemi Durotimi Akinwunmi, hereby certify that I am the Returning Officer for the 2024 Ondo State governorship election held on the 16th November, 2024.
“That Ayedatiwa Lucky Orimisan of the APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and governor-elect,” the university don said.
Speaking after the declaration, Aiyedatiwa dedicated his victory first to the Almighty God and second to the memories of former Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, under whom he served as Deputy Governor.
He promised to run an inclusive and participatory government, where every citizen has a voice and an opportunity to contribute to the collective progress of the state.
The governor therefore invited the opposition to join him in the task of moving the state forward.
“We will continue to prioritise the welfare of our people, foster economic growth, and ensure that our state remains a beacon of hope and prosperity for generations to come.
“Now that the elections are over, it is time to rededicate ourselves to the service of our dear State.
“I, therefore, want to extend a hand of fellowship to the opposition parties and to invite you to collaborate with us in the onerous task of building a better Ondo State for the overall good of our people.
“Let us put aside our differences and work together to create a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our communities,” Aiyedatiwa said.