Lucky Aiyedatiwa

Won 2024 governorshipIncumbent

All Progressives Congress (APC)Governor of Ondo State since December 2023Ondo StateOndo State

Lucky Aiyedatiwa is a businessman-politician whose rise in Ondo politics moved from party organisation and Niger Delta representation into state executive office. He first emerged nationally as Rotimi Akeredolu's running mate, became governor after Akeredolu's death in 2023, and then won his own statewide mandate in the 2024 Ondo governorship election.

Why This Profile Matters in 2027

Ondo's incumbent governor and APC officeholder heading into the next national cycle. Even though Ondo is an off-cycle state, Aiyedatiwa matters to 2027 as part of the APC's South-West governing bench and regional mobilisation structure.

Ondo does not vote for governor in the main 2027 cycle, but Aiyedatiwa remains relevant as an APC incumbent in a strategically important South-West oil-producing state.
His influence on APC mobilisation, federal-state alignment, and regional elite bargaining could matter more to 2027 than any immediate personal candidacy beyond Ondo.
His first full term after the 2024 victory will shape whether he enters the next national cycle as a stabilising state incumbent or a governor still consolidating control.

Public Record

Joined active party politics in 2011 through the ACN, later APC, and became one of Ondo's delegates at the APC national convention in 2014.
Served as Ondo State's representative on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission from 2018 to 2019.
Chosen as Rotimi Akeredolu's running mate in the 2020 Ondo governorship election and sworn in as deputy governor in February 2021.

Private Sector and Professional Background

Worked across education, marketing, investment, and merchandising roles before full-time politics, including early jobs in Lagos and Ibadan.
Founded Blue Wall Group of Companies in 1996, spanning trading, foreign exchange, and travel/logistics businesses.
Built his pre-governorship public image more as a businessman and network builder than as a long-standing federal legislative figure.

Political Timeline

2011-2014
Enters party politics
Joined the ACN/APC stream in Ondo politics and became involved in party organising, including APC national convention work.
2018-2019
NDDC board role
Represented Ondo State on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, giving him federal visibility in oil-region development politics.
2020-2021
Becomes deputy governor
Selected as Rotimi Akeredolu's running mate for the 2020 election and sworn in as Ondo deputy governor in February 2021.
2023
Transitions from acting governor to governor
Took over executive responsibilities during Akeredolu's medical leave and became governor after Akeredolu died in December 2023.
2024
Wins his own mandate
Secured a statewide electoral mandate by winning the Ondo governorship election as APC candidate against Agboola Ajayi and other challengers.

Profile

Current Role: Governor of Ondo State since December 2023
Occupation: Politician and businessman
Education: Saint Peter's UNA/FAC Primary School, Obe-Nla/Obe Adun, Ilaje LGA, Ondo State.; Ikosi High School, Ketu, Lagos (completed in 1982).; Nigeria Certificate in Education in Economics and Government, Lagos State College of Education, Ijanikin (1986).; Advanced Diploma in Business Administration, University of Ibadan (2001).; Chief Executive Programme certification in Business Management, Lagos Business School/Pan-Atlantic University (2009).; MBA, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom (2013).
State of Origin: Ondo State
Last Election: 2024 Ondo Governorship Election

Sources

Wikipedia: Lucky Aiyedatiwa TheCable: Akeredolu picks Aiyedatiwa as running mate Punch: INEC declares Aiyedatiwa winner

Elected Representative

This candidate won their election. View their representative profile on civic.ng for contact details and legislative activity.

View Representative Profile on civic.ng

Party

All Progressives Congress

APC