The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has dissociated himself from the recent change of leadership in the state house of Assembly.
Just as he reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to the safety of lives and property with the presentation of high-grade operational Toyota Hilux vehicles to security agencies in the State.
Aiyedatiwa spoke at the ceremony, held at the Government House grounds in Akure on Wednesday, which formed part of activities marking his first 100 days in office.
The Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr Abayomi Akinruntan, and the Majority Leader, Mr Ogunmolasuyi, had on Tuesday resigned from their respective positions.
Akinruntan represents Ilaje Constituency 1, while Ogunmolasuyi represents Owo Constituency 1; both are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The pair announced their resignations on the floor of the House during Tuesday’s plenary session, which was presided over by the Speaker, Mr Olamide Oladiji.
Though Akinruntan cited political power-sharing arrangements within the state as the reason for his resignation, there were rumours that the governor forced them to resign.
Another source hinted that there has been a cold war between the governor and the father of the erstwhile Deputy Speaker, Oba Akinruntan.
Reacting, Aiyedatiwa said, “Nothing is permanent. Society itself envolves. So, they are doing some readjustment in the house.
“Basically, their business, so it’s not my business. I’m on my lane.
“As long as the House is peaceful. I have no problem, and the business is going on fine. Well, done.”
He, however, congratulated the newly emerged majority leader, Hon. Olatunji Oshati (maxima), representing Ose Constituency in the Assembly.
Aiyedatiwa described the event as a significant step in the collective quest to build a safer and more secure Ondo State.
The Governor expressed his delight at the opportunity to once again equip security agencies with essential logistics.
He stated that the distribution of operational vehicles was a clear demonstration of his administration’s resolve to enhance the capacity and responsiveness of security formations across the state.
“This event underscores our administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the effectiveness, efficiency and capacity of our security agencies to respond to any security alert or acts of criminality in the State,” he said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed the importance of synergy among all security stakeholders, emphasizing that collaboration is critical to tackling the security challenges facing the state.
According to him, this philosophy is embedded in his administration’s development blueprint, tagged OUR EASE, which prioritizes the safety of citizens.
The Governor recalled that in July 2024, the state government distributed 25 units of Toyota Hilux vehicles to security agencies, highlighting the latest presentation as a continuation of that initiative.
He added that providing operational tools to security operatives is not only a constitutional responsibility but also a practical demonstration of government’s appreciation for their sacrifices.
“These vehicles are a token of our appreciation for your dedication and service. Furthermore, I wish to reiterate that the distribution of vehicles to security agencies is one of the ways by which we are strengthening our security apparatus in the State”, he said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa urged the beneficiaries to put the vehicles to good use by deploying them for patrols, emergency responses, and other security-related activities across the state.
In his goodwill message, the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Justin Ifeanyi, who spoke on behalf of all security agencies in the state, assured that the vehicles would be put to effective use and properly maintained.
He emphasized that the vehicles would strictly serve the purpose for which they were provided, to improve security operations and rapid response across the state.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olusola, who was represented by Deputy Commissioner, Oluseyi Okenla, stated that Governor Aiyedatiwa has once again demonstrated his deep commitment to the safety and well-being of the people of Ondo State.
He expressed appreciation to the Governor on behalf of all security agencies in the state for the continued support and provision of essential operational tools.
Also in attendance at the event were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; the Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; and the Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, well as members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, political appointees, heads of security agencies, top government functionaries, and other dignitaries.
