At 61: Gov Aiyedatiwa reflects on lessons, leadership, call to serve

By Precious Oluwole 

 

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Monday offered a deeply reflective account of his life, leadership journey and commitment to public service as he marked his 61st birthday, describing leadership as a sacred trust and service as a continuous responsibility.

Speaking at a birthday celebration held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Igbatoro Road, Akure, the Governor said birthdays at this stage of life are no longer about counting years but about reflecting on lessons learned and responsibilities that still lie ahead.

The Governor who was represented by his brother, Pastor Williams Aiyedatiwa said “I am no longer counting candles; I am counting lessons, life itself is sustained by God’s grace and not by human control”.

He expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for life and preservation, acknowledging that divine faithfulness has remained constant throughout his journey.

The Governor thanked the organisers of the celebration for what he described as an unexpected honour, saying the gathering of friends, colleagues, traditional rulers, political leaders and well-wishers reminded him that people, not position, remain life’s greatest treasure.

Reflecting on his experience in public service, Governor Aiyedatiwa said leadership often demands difficult decisions, patience and personal sacrifice, contrary to its glamorous perception from the outside.

According to him, effective governance requires empathy, discipline and a willingness to listen, because government ultimately exists to serve the people.

He stressed that power should never be seen as personal property but as a temporary trust bestowed by the people, adding that public office holders must remain accountable first to God and then to the citizens they serve.

“Leadership is authority exercised in trust for others, understanding keeps leaders grounded in moments of praise as well as criticism”.

Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed appreciation to the people of Ondo State for their support, prayers and constructive criticisms, describing leadership as a dialogue rather than a monologue.

He noted that the resilience and expectations of the people continue to inspire his administration to do better.

The Governor also paid glowing tribute to his wife and family for their patience, prayers and sacrifices, saying their quiet support has remained a source of strength amid the demands of public life.

Describing the birthday celebration as a moment of gratitude rather than self-glorification, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the occasion served as a reminder that much work still lies ahead.

He reaffirmed his commitment to governing Ondo State with integrity, compassion and fairness, while pledging to listen more attentively and place the interests of the people above all else.

“As the journey continues, the work remains urgent,” he said.

He appreciated the Committee of Friends for organising the celebration and prayed for God’s blessings upon Ondo State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

In his remarks, the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, described the occasion as a celebration of an uncommon leader and an outstanding servant of the masses, whom he referred to as the people’s governor.

He commended the author of the book presented at the event, Pastor Oluwatobi Oke, for his vision and determination in bringing to the fore the outstanding qualities of what he described as the most grateful leader of the time.

Adelami said the book review and testimonials reinforced a central truth that leadership grounded in integrity, humility, compassion, empathy, inclusiveness and accountability produces tangible results in good governance.

According to him, these defining values distinguished Aiyedatiwa as a worthy leader deserving of emulation.

He said it was rare to find a leader who combined empathy with humility, compassion and forgiveness, adding that the governor constantly sought God’s direction in governance, which accounted for many of his spot-on decisions.

He noted that such qualities do not come cheap but are endowed by God and require a life of worship and obedience.

The deputy governor also commended the First Lady, Mrs Seun Aiyedatiwa, and the entire family for their steadfast support.

He prayed that God would continue to grant the governor wisdom, strength and sound health, as well as bless the administration with unity of purpose, clarity of vision and enduring accomplishments.

In his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, appreciated all those who gathered to honour the governor, saying it was important to celebrate leaders while they are alive as a way of appreciating God for what He is doing through them.

Fasoranti said Ondo State was fortunate to have Governor Aiyedatiwa at the helm of affairs, expressing optimism that life would get better for him at 61. He also appreciated the friends of the governor who organised the event.

Speaking earlier, the author of the book, Pastor Oluwatobi Oke, said the book, titled Priesthood in Governance, speaks to the person, leadership and priesthood of Governor Aiyedatiwa.

Oke, who is also the chaplain of the Government House Chapel, described the governor as an anointed leader whose emergence was rooted in divine selection, moral authority, virtues and an unshakeable sense of destiny.

According to him, the book is beyond a publication, describing it as a movement, a mandate and a manifestation of God’s prophecy unfolding in their time.

He said priesthood is not a profession or a title but a calling and an ordination, adding that, in one way or another, everyone is a priest.

In their goodwill messages, an APC chieftain, Dr Tunji Abayomi, raised the question of the standard by which leaders should be judged, saying his reflection led him to six criteria: empathy, humility, mentorship, creativity, capacity to resolve conflicts and patience.

He said after an objective assessment of the governor, he concluded that Aiyedatiwa had performed well in all the areas and deserved to be celebrated.

Also speaking, elder statesman and national leader, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, thanked God for the life of the governor, describing 60 as the diamond age, a stage of experience and reflection.

He congratulated Aiyedatiwa on attaining the age and expressed hope that he would leave a lasting legacy for the state.

Other speakers, including Olumuyiwa Adu and Femi Mese, also eulogised the governor for his leadership qualities and service to Ondo State.

Those in attendance included members of the State Executive Council, members of the House of Assembly led by the Deputy Speaker, Ololade Gbegudu; political appointees; party leaders and members; as well as friends and family.