Akeredolu Inauguration: Committee restricts Attendance to 500 Guests

The inauguration ceremony of governor of Ondo state,Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s second term in office will be low key due to ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.

The Chairman of the 25-man inauguration committee and Deputy Governor-elect, Mr Lucky Ayedatiwa, stated this while speaking with journalists on the activities lined up for the ceremony, on Friday.

He also said those that would attend the inauguration ceremony, coming up next week Wednesday, at the International Event Centre, Akure, the state capital would not be more than 500 while 400 people would be allowed to attend the dinner coming up in the evening of the inauguration day.

According to him, the reason for the decision to have a low-key celebration was to observe the COVID-19 protocols.

He said, “It is important to stress that attendance at every function will be strictly by invitation. This is in order to control the crowd and reduce the risks associated with COVID -19. In other words, the venues will be a no-go area for individuals without official invitation cards.

“For more emphasis, the Dome which sits full capacity of 1,800 guests will now sit 500 for the inauguration while it will accommodate only 400 for the state dinner later in the evening.”

Ayedatiwa, who described the school debate and the presentation of awards won by Ondo State public schools, which is one of the activities for the inauguration ceremony, as a well-thought-out component of the ceremony with a specific focus to elevate and celebrate our youths in the state.

“It is also to serve as the melting pot for the general public consisting of parent, teachers and students and government thereby ensuring the involvement of all layers in the society in the enthroning of the government they truly voted in,” he said.

Other activities lined up for the second term inauguration of governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and the deputy governor elect, Lucky Ayedatiwa kick off on Tuesday at the Dome with a lecture by the president of Africa development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina.

Commissioning of projects and schools debate are slated for Thursday, Jumat service on Friday and Inaugural feast across the Eighteen local governments on Saturday.