…Says “I Am Akeredolu’s Greatest Legacy”
…Salutes church’s role in state’s development
By Precious Oluwole
Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reflected on the values of loyalty, legacy and servant leadership, describing his emergence as governor as divinely ordained and rooted in steadfast commitment rather than political ambition.
The Governor, while receiving the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Anglican Church of Nigeria, Most Rev Henry Ndukuba, at the Presidential Lodge, Government house, Akure, on Wednesday, ahead of the formal commissioning of a new diocese in Idanre, Governor Aiyedatiwa traced his personal and leadership journey to the influence of Christian missionary activities, particularly in education, healthcare and moral development.
He recalled his early years at St. Peter’s Primary School, a missionary institution located in a remote riverine community, noting that missionary schools laid the foundation for human capital development in areas that were largely neglected at the time.
The governor commended the church for its sustained role in shaping moral values among young people, offering prayers for leaders and fostering social stability across the country.
According to him, the partnership between the church and government remains critical to governance, especially in promoting discipline, peace and national cohesion.
He stressed that despite denominational differences, Christians are united in service to God and humanity, adding that faith-based institutions have remained dependable partners in the state’s development journey.
Reflecting on his relationship with his late predecessor, former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Aiyedatiwa described him as a close friend, mentor and leader who believed deeply in continuity of vision.
“I am Akeredolu’s greatest legacy,” the governor declared, explaining that while physical infrastructure may fade with time, leadership continuity, institutional stability and faithful execution of vision endure.
He revealed that the late governor had deliberately preserved key policy decisions and memos for him to implement when the time came, a gesture he said symbolised trust, foresight and commitment to the future of the state.
Aiyedatiwa noted that his rise to office was neither planned nor pursued, but came through loyalty, service and divine ordering, drawing parallels with the biblical story of King David.
The governor thanked religious leaders for their prayers and support, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to continue working closely with the church to advance the political, social and economic development of Ondo State.
Earlier, the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, said God had prepared Aiyedatiwa for leadership, stressing that authority is given by God to whom He wills.
Ndukuba noted that under Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, Ondo State is celebrating its Golden Jubilee, which he described as symbolic and biblical, in line with the book of Leviticus.
He said the church joined the state in thanksgiving, acknowledging God’s guidance over the people.
The Primate described Ondo State as a foundation laid in God, recalling that from its early days, the state welcomed missionaries who established schools and hospitals.
He expressed gratitude that the present administration has sustained partnership with the church and other religious organisations.
Ndukuba also spoke on the creation of the Missionary Diocese of Idanre, carved out of the Akure Diocese, describing Idanre as a frontier area requiring focused missionary attention, particularly in health, social and educational development.
Assuring the governor of the church’s readiness to collaborate with the government, the Primate said leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility from God, especially in challenging times, and urged leaders to act with justice and righteousness.
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