The immediate former Commissioner representing Ondo State on the board of the National Population Commission (NPC), Prince Diran Iyantan, has postponed his formal declaration to contest the forthcoming governorship election in the state as a mark of respect for the departed Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Also, he urged the new Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who has just been sworn in following the passage of his predecessor, to raise the bar of development in the state, appealing: “It is essential to honour Governor Akeredolu’s memory by continuing his remarkable work and ensuring that his achievements are not forgotten.”
In his condolence message, he said: “In a mark of respect for Arakunrin Oluwatotimi Akeredolu, Prince Diran Iyantan has decided to postpone his declaration to contest for the Governor Ondo State in the forthcoming Ondo State governorship election.”
He is yet to announce a new date for the planned declaration.
However, he noted: “If granted the mandate of the party – APC, and subsequently the support of the electorate, Prince Diran Iyantan pledges to continue serving the people of Ondo State with truth, integrity, and honesty, just as Governor Akeredolu did.”
Iyantan described as imperishable the legacy of Akeredolu, who died on Wednesday in a German hospital where he was being treated of prostate cancer.
Mourning the departed, he said: “It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we mourn the untimely passing of Governor Oluwatotimi Akeredolu SAN. The demise of Arakunrin Akeredolu is a painful and agonizing loss, leaving a void that will be difficult to fill.
“Governor Akeredolu was a remarkable personality, renowned for his wit, passion, and commitment to the development of Ondo State. His visionary leadership and dedication to public service have left an indelible mark on the state. Through his creation of the Amotekun security outfit in the Southwest region, he ensured the implementation of watertight security measures, safeguarding the lives and properties of the people.
“The late Governor Akeredolu will be remembered for his numerous landmark projects and legacy initiatives that will stand the test of time. His exceptional qualities as an unusual politician and an administrator par excellence have earned him the admiration and respect of the people.
“Prince Diran Iyantan extends his heartfelt condolences to the family of Governor Akeredolu, particularly his wife, Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu, and all his children This irreparable loss of their family patriarch, Arakunrin Oluwatotimi Akeredolu SAN, is a profound tragedy that will be felt deeply by all.
“The people of Ondo State are also in the thoughts and prayers of Prince Diran Iyantan during this difficult time. The loss of Governor Akeredolu is a tremendous blow to the state, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of working with him.
“Prince Diran Iyantan urges the new governor, who has just been sworn in following the untimely demise of his predecessor, to raise the bar of development in the state. It is essential to honour Governor Akeredolu’s memory by continuing his remarkable work and ensuring that his achievements are not forgotten.
“In a mark of respect for Arakunrin Oluwatotimi Akeredolu, Prince Diran Iyantan has decided to postpone his declaration to contest for the Governor Ondo State in the forthcoming Ondo State governorship election. If granted the mandate of the party – APC, and subsequently the support of the electorate, Prince Diran Iyantan pledges to continue serving the people of Ondo State with truth, integrity, and honesty, just as Governor Akeredolu did.”
