UPDATE; Profile of new Ondo governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa

Biography: Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, born on January 12, 1965, is a distinguished Nigerian businessman and politician who assumed the role of Governor of Ondo State in 2023. His political journey includes serving as the Deputy Governor of Ondo State from 2021 to 2023 under the leadership of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. Prior to his political career, Aiyedatiwa held a significant role as a former commissioner of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Early Life and Education: Aiyedatiwa originates from Obe-Nla, an oil-bearing community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. He commenced his academic journey at Saint Peter’s UNA (now FAC) Primary School in Obe Nla/Obe Adun, Ilaje LGA, completing his primary education between 1970 and 1976. His secondary education took place at Ikosi High School, Ketu, Lagos, culminating in 1982. Aiyedatiwa furthered his education, obtaining a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Government from Lagos State College of Education in 1986. His pursuit of knowledge led him to the University of Ibadan, where he earned an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration in 2001. Additionally, he obtained a Post Graduate Certification in Chief Executive Education (CEP) in Business Management from Lagos Business School – Pan Atlantic University in 2009 and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, in 2013.

Career: Aiyedatiwa’s professional journey reflects his diverse experience. Beginning as an Inventory/Store Officer at Scoa Assembly Plant Plc. Apapa, Lagos, he has held roles such as Assistant Head Teacher, Marketing Officer, Assistant Investment Analyst, and General Merchandise Manager at various organizations. In 1996, he founded the Blue Wall Group of Companies, which includes Blue Wall Nigeria Ltd (a Trading Company), Blue Wall BDC Nigeria Ltd (a CBN licensed foreign exchange trading company), and Blue Wall Safety Travels and Tours (an IATA licensed Travel Agency and Logistic Company).

Political Career: Entering active politics in 2011 as a member of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which later merged into the All Progressives Congress (APC), Aiyedatiwa became a National Delegate from Ondo State at the APC National Convention in 2014. He contested for the federal House of Representatives for Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in the 2015 Presidential and National Assembly General Election.

Later Roles and Appointments: Aiyedatiwa served as the Federal Commissioner representing Ondo State on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from 2018 to 2019. Notably, he was chosen as the running mate for Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in the 2020 Ondo State gubernatorial election, leading to their election as Governor and Deputy Governor on October 11, 2020. They were sworn into office on February 25, 2021.

Deputy Governor and Acting Governor: On December 12, 2023, Aiyedatiwa assumed the position of Acting Governor for the second time, following Governor Akeredolu’s medical leave due to leukemia treatment. His previous stint as Acting Governor occurred from June to September 2023 during Akeredolu’s earlier medical leave.

Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa stands as a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as Governor of Ondo State.