The Ondo State Police Command has ordered the deployment of personnel and tight security measures around the venue for the swearing-in of Lucky Aiyedatiwa as Governor of Ondo State.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mr Wilfred Afolabi, Commissioner of Police, Ondo State, gave the order as Aiyedatiwa would be sworn-in today as the Governor of Ondo State.
He was a former deputy governor to the late governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, who died of cancer in December 2023, before he became an acting governor.
Aiyedatiwa went on to win the governorship election held in Ondo State on November 16 2024.
He braved all odds to emerge victorious in the governorship election, which was a two horse race between him and Agboola Ajayi of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The governor-elect won the election with 366,781 votes, defeating his closest rival, who scored 117,845 votes, with Aiyedatiwa winning in all 18 local governments of the State.
His victory did not, however, come easy as he faced so many hurdles in his attempt to seek the mandate of the people of Ondo State for the exalted office of the governor.
The hurdles ranged from attempted impeachment to undermining his office as the acting governor, among several attempts to smear his name, ahead of the governorship polls due to the health challenges faced by his then boss, Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu.
For Aiyedatiwa, who was appointed deputy governor after the removal of Agboola Ajayi, the erstwhile occupant of the office, his road to the Alagbaka Government House did not just come on a platter.
He battled 15 other contestants to secure the ticket of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He clinched the ticket with a resounding victory, amassing a total of 48,569 votes in the governorship primaries, with his closest contender, Mayowa Akinfolarin, trailing behind him with 15,343 votes, while Chief Olusola Oke placed third with 14,865 votes.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Akure by CSP Funmilayo Odunlami, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ondo State Command, Afolabi explained that the deployment of personnel and security measures for the swearing in was to ensure the safety of attendees.
According to him, the deployment will also ensure smooth running of activities, while escorts attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) will not be permitted entry with rifles, as part of security measures.
“However, they may remain around the stadium perimeter in designated areas. Also, commuters who regularly use routes around the venue are advised to take alternative routes for ease of movement and to reduce congestion.
“Vehicle owners who usually park around Stadium Area are strongly advised to park in safer locations to avoid damage, congestion, or obstruction on the road.
“All security agencies will be on ground to enforce compliance with these guidelines,” the CP said.
Afolabi, therefore, urged the residents of the state to align with the guidelines to ensure a secure and orderly event.