The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olajide Adelami, disclosed on Thursday that he had never vied for the position of deputy governor before he was called upon to serve.
Adelami, who clarified the circumstances of his appointment, revealed that he had been pursuing a federal appointment when he was unexpectedly nominated by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
During a visit to traditional rulers in his hometown of Owo, the headquarters of the Owo Local Government Area of the State, Adelami, stated that the development underscored the unexpected trajectory of his political journey.
The deputy governor who started his thank-you visit from the palace of the Olowo, Oba Gbadegeshin Ogunoye, also visited the Ojomoluda of Ijebu-Owo, Oba Kofoworola Oladoyinbo, and the Olupenmen of Upenmen, Oba Ebenezer Adewumi-Ogunmolasuyi.
Other obas visited are the Oloba of Uso, Oba (Dr) Ademola Oyinbade, and the Alale of Idasen, Oba Kokumoa Olotupa.
Adelami expressed his appreciation to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for considering him worthy of the position, despite his name not being among those speculated for the position.
He thanked the traditional rulers for their support and expressed his gratitude for being appointed to the role with the assurance that he would do everything in his power to bring developmental strides to the state.
Adelami said: “I never contested for deputy governor; I was looking for a federal appointment when I was called to be a deputy. I do not take this opportunity for granted. Divine providence made this happen. I will serve the people of Ondo State to the best of my ability.”
He assured the people of Ondo State that he would work diligently with his principal to bring developmental progress to the state and promised to serve to the best of his ability.
The deputy governor pledged to collaborate with the governor in advancing the state and to assist in reconciling any aggrieved party members.
Aiyedatiwa nominated Olayide Adelami, a former deputy clerk to the National Assembly, as his deputy following the dissolution of the state cabinet on Wednesday.
The nomination was subsequently screened and confirmed by the Ondo State House of Assembly on Thursday.
Adelami’s confirmation came after the submission and consideration of a report by the House Selection Committee, chaired by the speaker of the House, Olamide Oladiji.