Adelami Sworn in as Ondo Deputy Gov

Fidelis David in Akure

The new Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Olayide Owolabi Adelami, has been sworn in by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusola.

Adelami was sworn in at the International Conference Centre (The Dome) in Akure, the state capital, on Thursday.

Addressing the gathering during the swearing-in ceremony, the state Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, expressed confidence in the ability of Adelami to contribute meaningfully to the state’s progress.

According to him, the new deputy governor is a seasoned technocrat, administrator, philanthropist and politician, who had served the nation creditably at various levels, including serving as Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, before his eventual retirement. 

His words: “He is an urbane gentleman who had paid his dues in the service and development of Ondo State, and the nation at large. I have no doubt that finding himself again in a familiar terrain, he will serve with integrity, devotion, loyalty and accountability.

“We expect 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.”

While urging him to bear in mind that the administration has zero tolerance for corruption, Governor Aiyedatiwa said: “We expect you to demonstrate transparent, open, and accountable leadership in your new office. You must also avoid discrimination as you have the entire state as your constituency, rather than serving sectional interests.”

The governor also highlighted his achievements since his inauguration on December 27, 2023.

“You are well aware that upon my inauguration on 27th of December 2023, we immediately set out to hit the ground running in order to sustain the path of accelerated development bequeathed to us by our late leader and former governor. Within the short span of barely one month of assumption of office, our score card has shown that the people of Ondo State are pleased with our various policies and actions so far.  

“Apart from accelerating the preparation of the 2024 Budget of the state, which I signed into law at a time when hopes of its possibility were gloomy, we also flagged off the payment of N1.2 billion gratuity to pensioners. The salaries of workers are being paid as and when due, even as we have demonstrated commitment to our words by off-setting the 2017 outstanding salary arrears of workers last week. We are very pleased that the workers are happy,” the governor said.

In his acceptance speech, the new Deputy Governor, Adelami, appreciated the state governor for the opportunity to serve the state.

“Mr governor, I hereby wholeheartedly accept to be your deputy and my loyalty to you will be total.To the good people of Ondo State, 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.

“To our good people of Ondo State, by the Grace of God Almighty who in His Will, arranged this day to come, we will not let you down. I want to therefore appeal to all our good people of Ondo State at home and abroad to kindly support Mr Governor and myself, in our sincere desire to entrench good governance in our Sunshine State.”