The swearing-in ceremony of Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the Governor of Ondo State is currently ongoing in Akure, the state capital.

This development followed the demise of the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, on Wednesday.

Akeredolu died in Germany at the age of 67 after battling prostate cancer, the state government disclosed in a statement.

The statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju read, “With a heavy heart, the Ondo State Government announces the passing of our beloved Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.

“Mr. Governor peacefully departed from this world in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 27, 2023. This tragedy has left behind a profound void in our hearts.

“Governor Akeredolu answered the eternal call while receiving medical treatment in Germany. He succumbed to complications arising from protracted prostate cancer.”

Akeredolu had embarked on two separate medical vacations, the first on April 3, 2023, and the second on July 10, 2023.On September 7, he made his way back to the country and promptly notified the state House of Assembly.

PUNCH Online earlier reported that the state Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola, was expected to preside over the exercise.

Aiyedatiwa was the deputy governor until Wednesday, December 13 when power was formally transferred to him after Akeredolu went on another medical vacation. (The PUNCH: Text, Excluding Headline)