Former Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr Olayide Owolabi Adelami, was on Thursday, sworn in as the new Deputy Governor of Ondo state, following the inauguration of the former deputy governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa, as the governor of the state.
Ayedatiwa was inaugurated on the 27th of December, 2023, following the death of late governor Rotimi Akeredolu, in a hospital in Germany.
The swearing ceremony held at the International Events Centre, Dome, in Akure, the state capital, was sequent to Adelami’s confirmation by the state House of Assembly after his nomination last week.
The state Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odudola, administered the Oaths of Allegiance and Office on the new deputy governor.
Ayedatiwa in his remarks, disclosed that the dissolution of the State Executive by him last week was in carried out in good faith and to rejuvenate and reinvigorate the current administration in the state.
The governor said, “The decision was borne out of genuine response to the yearnings and aspirations of the people as well as the need to rejuvenate and reinvigorate this administration for maximum delivery on our mandate.
“We also needed to minimize unnecessary distractions usually associated with Cabinet Members and other appointees in an election year like we have in Ondo State.
“This is the standard practice in sane climes. It is important for government to be less encumbered by politicking and pave the way for interested individuals to pursue their aspirations while simultaneously guaranteeing continued enjoyment of good governance to our people in the Sunshine State.
“We have a sacred duty to our people not to sacrifice good governance on the altar of individual, though legitimate, pursuit of political aspirations. We harbour neither ill wind nor animosity towards no one.”
He acknowledged the ecstasy that greeted the nomination and appointment of Adelami as testimony to his acceptance and if right choice, saying “we are bringing on board a gentleman of stellar quality, impeccable character and rich administrative acumen as Deputy Governor.
He, however, challenged the new deputy governor “to handle your portfolio in a manner to sustain this euphoria, because as it is often said, it is easier getting to the top than to remain at the top.
“It is our expectation that you will provide fresh ideas and new drive to support this administration in consolidating our legacy projects, building a sustainable socio-economic base as encapsulated in our Redeemed agenda; and pilot the politics of the state to a higher level of humility, justice and harmony as you serve the citizens.”
In his acceptance speech, the new deputy governor pledged to build on his previous performance by supporting Ayedatiwa in providing good governance to the people of Ondo State.
Adelami said “I’m here to join hands with Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa to serve you and ensure that lives are made more meaningful for you in all facets.
“My wealth of experience in both public and private sectors coupled with my connections nationally and internationally are available for you to explore for the wellbeing of our people.
“I want to therefore appeal to all our people in Ondo State at home and abroad to kindly support Mr Governor and me in our sincere desire to entrench good governance in our Sunshine State.
“I will make available my wealth of experience in both public and private sectors for the transformation of our dear sunshine state.
“I equally plead with you for more cooperation with our dear governor to foster great collaboration and unalloyed unity for the development of our state to the admiration and pride of our great leader and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has been very supportive to our state.”
Tribune
