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The Deputy Governor designate of Ondo State, Dr Olayide Adelami, on Friday in Owo, said his nomination was divinely ordered as he never lobbied for the position.
Adelami said that he had been pursuing a federal appointment when he was unexpectedly nominated by Gov Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The deputy governor designate stated this during a visit to traditional rulers in his hometown of Owo, the headquarters of the Owo Local Government Area of the State on Friday.
Aiyedatiwa nominated the former deputy clerk of the National Assembly as his deputy after the dissolution of the state cabinet on Wednesday.
The nomination was subsequently confirmed by the Ondo State House of Assembly on Thursday.
Adelami stated that the development underscored the unexpected trajectory of his political journey.
The deputy governor designate,who started his thank-you visit from the palace of the Olowo, Oba Gbadegeshin Ogunoye, also visited the Ojomoluda of Ijebu-Owo, Oba Kofoworola Oladoyinbo, and the Olupenmen of Upenmen, Oba Ebenezer Adewumi-Ogunmolasuyi.
Other obas visited included the Oloba of Uso, Oba (Dr) Ademola Oyinbade, and the Alale of Idasen, Oba Kokumoa Olotupa.
Adelami expressed his appreciation to Aiyedatiwa for considering him worthy of the position, despite his name not being among those speculated for the position.
He thanked the traditional rulers for their support and expressed his gratitude for being appointed to the position with the assurance that he would do everything in his power to bring developmental strides to the state.
“I never contested for deputy governor; I was looking for a federal appointment when I was called to be a deputy. I do not take this opportunity for granted.
“Divine providence made this happen. I will serve the people of Ondo State to the best of my ability,” he said.
The deputy governor pledged to collaborate with the governor in advancing the state and to assist in reconciling any aggrieved party members.
Ondo Deputy Governor-designate, SSG hold ‘Thank You’ Rally for Aiyedatiwa
Meanwhile, Ondo State Deputy Governor designate, Dr Olayide Adelami and Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tayo Oluwatuyi, on Friday, held a ‘thank you rally’ to appreciate Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa for their appointments.
The road rally took off from the Akure Airport, shortly after Aiyedatiwa, who had been out of the state, touched down.
The rally by supporters of the appointees maŕched from the airport through Oba Ile to Cathedral, passing through Arakale to Government House, Alagbaka, Akure.
Aiyedatiwa, while addressing people who had gathered at Government House, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the warm welcome accorded to him upon his return to the state capital by the people.
The governor appreciated his deputy designate and SSG for the show of love and appreciation to him.
“I want to thank the Deputy Governor designate Dr Adelami for the warm welcome and his unwavering support,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa said he was meeting Adelami and the SSG for the first time since their appointments.
“Two days ago, we dissolved the former executive council, not in discord but as part of the necessary transition.
“I presented the name of Dr Olayide Adelami to the House of Assembly for consideration, and it was approved.
“The time for a deputy governor has come, because the responsibilities have been immense, and I am grateful for the capable hands of Adelami and the prompt action of the SSG, Hon. Oluwatuyi, who has already begun his duties,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa said that he was particularly happy with the jubilation and appreciation that met the announcement of Adelami as deputy governor nominee in Owo town (Home of Akeredolu) with calls he had received from the time of announcement.
He said similarly, the people of Akure, the hometown of the SSG, also celebrated widely, underscoring the desire for his success and the depth of their love for him
“I am deeply moved by the outpouring of support and the warm welcome orchestrated by deputy governor designate and the SSG.
“Their initiative to express appreciation through this rally speaks volumes about their dedication to serving the people and fostering unity within the state,” the governor said.