The Chapel of Grace, Government House at Alagbaka in Akure, the Ondo State capital will play host to dignitaries today in honour of the Ondo State governor, Hon. Prince, Pastor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa who turns 60.
The ceremony, though low key, as expected, will be graced by family members, friends, well wishers and political associates of Aiyedatiwa. It is to appreciate, give thanks to God and mark Aiyedatiwa’s diamond jubilee.
Friends plan a low key event due to the death of the Secretary to Ondo State government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi. The governor had directed that there shouldn’t be any “Aso ebi” or greetings either in the print or on broadcast media as the state griefs.
However, at 60, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa deserves all the accolades and encomiums. Here is a man who, at the risk to his life, fought for the advancement of democracy and the Rule of Law, especially in Ondo State.
It would be recalled that Ondo State known as a peaceful state gained national attention when the immediate past Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, took ill. The jostling for power incited deep divisions between the loyalists of Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa – Aiyedatiwa was in the middle of the storm.
A faction of the Ondo State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against him resulting in litigation. Governance suffered! Accusations of forgery rent the air and there were calls for Akeredolu to resign so that his deputy could become governor. This did not happen. Instead, the war intensified.
In the midst of all of these, he stood firm in defence of Ondo State and the rule of law. In the end, Justice prevailed. The rest is now history!
Within a year in the saddle and with prudent management of available resources, Aiyedatiwa has initiated a lot of beneficial policies and programmes to the people of Ondo State, including payment of salaries to workers as and when due, construction and rehabilitation of roads, youths empowerment among others.
Politically, today, through his political dexterity, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a party to beat anytime in Ondo State. The oppositions, especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are still bewildered with the unprecedented 18-0 defeat during the last governorship election in the state. I understand the major opposition – PDP is now jittery and planning to boycott the coming local government election to avoid another massacre.
Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is a native of Obe-Nla, an oil-bearing community in llaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. He was born to the family of Mr. Titus Akande and Mrs. Rosanah Moyebi Aiyedatiwa (of blessed memory) on the 12th day of January, 1965. Не had his elementary education at Saint Peter’s UNA (now FAC) Primary School, Obe-Nla/Obe Adun in llaje local government area of Ondo State between 1970 and 1976. He had his secondary education at Ikosi High School, Ketu, Lagos in 1982. He then proceeded to Lagos State College of Education (now Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education), Ijanikin, Lagos where he obtained Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Government in 1986.
After a period as a classroom teacher and subsequent diversification into business, Aiyedatiwa later attended the University of Ibadan for Advanced Diploma in Business Administration with distinction in 2001. He is an alumnus of Lagos Business School – Pan Atlantic University, Lekki, Lagos with Post Graduate Certification in Chief Executive Education (CEP) in Business Management in 2009. He is also an Alumnus of the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom where he obtained a Master Degree in Business Administration (MBA) in 2013.
Prior to the establishment of his own business in 1996, Aiyedatiwa worked in other organizations and institutions which includes; Scoa Assembly Plant Plc. Apapa, Lagos, as Inventory/Store Officer, 1982-1983. Reliance International Schools, Ijokodo, Ibadan, Assistance Head Teacher, 1987-1990. Universal Pharmaceutical Supply Co. Ltd, Ikeja, Lagos as Marketing Officer, 1990-1993. Global Trust Limited, Gbagada, Lagos, as Assistant Investment Analyst, 1992-1993. Biz Mart Nigeria Limited, Lagos Island, Lagos, as General Merchandise Manager, 1994-1996.
Aiyedatiwa is a business development professional and a successful businessman with interest and substantial experience in Marketing, Financial and Human resources management, New Product Development, Forex Trading and Management, Construction, Real Estate, Hospitality, Public Relations, Travels and Tours. He is the MD/CEO of Blue Wall Group of Companies established in 1996 which includes; Blue Wall Nigeria Ltd, a Trading Company, Blue Wall BDC Nigeria Ltd, a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) licensed foreign exchange trading company and Blue Wall Safety Travels and Tours, an IATA licensed Travel Agency and Logistic Company. He has attended further trainings and acquired knowledge and skills in business management, project management, crisis management, leadership, strategy and new product development nationally and internationally.
He joined active politics in 2011 as a card-carrying member of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) which later metamorphosed into the All Progressive Congress (APC) in 2014. He was one of the National Delegates from Ondo State at the All Progressive Congress (APC) National Convention at Abuja in 2014 and later became the House of Representative Candidate of the Party for Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in the 2015 Presidential and National Assembly General Election.
Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as Federal Commissioner who represented Ondo State on the Board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), 2018-2019.
Prior to his appointment by the then President, he has also held other positions in other social and professional bodies. He was the National Public Relations for Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), 2004-2010. Chairman of South West Zone of ABCON, 2010-2011. Trustee/Treasurer, Ilaje League of Professional. President of Chief Executive Class (CEP18) of Lagos Business School Alumni Association. Executive Member of Lagos/South West Network of the University of Liverpool Global Alumni.
Like the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo, Aiyedatiwa believes in the welfare of the people and will do everything to improve the lot of the masses as he begins a new term as Governor on the 29th of February, 2025.
As Governor Aiyedatiwa continues to bask in all the praises being showered on him, I pray God to grant him long life and continued guidance to lead the state aright. The rest of his years will be the best of his life.
I also urge all politicians to emulate the selflessness and generosity of Aiyedatiwa in order to bring dividends of democracy to the people.
Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, a perfect gentleman, mature, morally sound with a lot of self-control. Quiet and very calm, he exhibits a strong character that can not be swayed by emotion.
Aiyedatiwa is not just a public figure, he is a source of unwavering support, wisdom and warmth.
To a great man, defender of the masses, goal getter and dogged fighter, I say happy 60th birthday.
Hon. Kikelomo Isijola is the Special Assistant to Ondo State Governor on Digital Media.
