By Ken Afor
Dr. Olaide Adelami, a former Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, has been sworn in as the new Deputy Governor of Ondo State.
He took the oath of office administered by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusola on Thursday.
It would be recalled that last Tuesday, Dr. Adelami was chosen by the state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and his name was forwarded to the State House of Assembly for screening.
His nomination came after the dissolution of the state executive council and the termination of appointments of all Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and Special Assistants (SAs) by the governor.
However, Aiyedatiwa, who spoke during the swearing-in of his Deputy, dispelled the assumption that he might have developed animosity towards some persons. He clarified that the dissolution of the cabinet from the administration of the late governor Rotimi Akeredolu was done with good intentions.
According to him, his action was in response to the yearnings of the people and the need to rejig his administration. This move is seen as a standard practice aimed at minimizing unnecessary distractions by cabinet members, especially as the state prepares for an election in the coming months.
He explained, “The decision to dissolve the State Executive Council precisely on Wednesday, 24th January was in good faith.
“The decision was borne out of a genuine response to the yearnings and aspirations of the people and the need to rejuvenate and reinvigorate this administration for maximum delivery on our mandate.
“We also needed to minimize unnecessary distractions usually associated with Cabinet Members and other appointees in an election year like we have in Ondo State.
“This is the standard practice in sane climes. Government needs to be less encumbered by politicking and pave way for interested individuals to pursue their aspirations while simultaneously guaranteeing continued enjoyment of good governance to our people in the Sunshine State.”
“We have a sacred duty to our people not to sacrifice good governance on the altar of individual, though legitimate, pursuit of political aspirations.
“We harbor neither ill-wind nor animosity towards no one.”
He charged the new deputy governor to comitted his duties with commitment, patriotism, and without any trace of corruption.
“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.
“As 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.
” He is an urbane gentleman who had paid his dues in the service and development of Ondo State, and the nation at large.”
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Adelami pledged loyalty to his principal and expressed his commitment to supporting the vision aimed at uplifting the people of the state from their current struggles.
He called on the people of the state to support the governor while it is evident that “within a month that Governor Ayedatiwa had been in the saddle of governance in our dear state, a fresh lease of life has manifested across all sectors of the state.”
It would be recalled that Aiyedatiwa, who served as a former deputy governor was sworn as governor in on December 27, 2023, following the sudden passing of late Governor Akeredolu.
Akeredolu reportedly died on December 27 after battle with prostate cancer.
