Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has promised to sustain the legacies of his principal, the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, saying the latter will never be forgotten because his impacts can be seen and felt across the state and the country.
Governor Aiyedatiwa stated this when he led members of the State Executive Council to commiserate with the Akeredolu family at their residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Governor Akeredolu reportedly passed on while receiving treatment outside the country, aged 67.
In a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, and made available to LEADERSHIP, Aiyedatiwa described his late principal as a sincere, courageous, selfless, and patriotic leader who fought for his people, championed development, and touched many lives.
In an emotional tribute, the governor also described the former governor as a caring and compassionate husband, father, and grandfather, adding that it was a rare privilege to have served under his tutelage.
Governor Aiyedatiwa further described the demise of his late boss as a great loss to Ondo State, the Southwest region, and Nigeria at large, stressing that Akeredolu’s struggle for a peaceful, fair, and just society will not be forgotten in a hurry.
He noted that the legacies of the late Akeredolu will continue to reverberate in his invaluable contributions to the socio-economic and infrastructural development of Ondo State, the growth of the Anglican Church, and the reforms in the legal profession in Nigeria.
Responding on behalf of the Akeredolu family, the younger brother of the deceased, Pastor Kola Akeredolu, thanked the delegation led by Governor Aiyedatiwa for the thoughtful visit.
Prayers were offered for the Akeredolu family while Governor Aiyedatiwa led others to the signing of the condolence register.
Akeredolu’s Death Transcends State Borders – Uzodimma
Similarly, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has lamented the death of Akeredolu, saying it has left a vacuum that goes beyond state borders.
Describing the late Akeredolu as a distinguished leader and an in-law, Governor Uzodimma also spoke of the deceased’s astuteness in public service and commitment to public opinion which helped to shape matters of national interest.
The governor consoled Governor Akeredolu’s widow, Betty, the entire Akeredolu family and the people and Government of Ondo State over the huge loss.
Fubara Mourns Ondo Governor, Akeredolu
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, in his condolence message signed by his media aide, Boniface Onyedi, yesterday in Port Harcourt, described the late Akeredolu as one leader dedicated to the service and wellbeing of his people and humanity.
The governor stated that the sad news was quite disturbing as the death is not just a loss to Ondo State alone, but to the entire nation.
Akeredolu Was Major Advocate Of Power Shift To South – Reps’ Minority Caucus
The minority caucus of the House of Representatives has described the deceased Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as a major advocate for the return of power to the south during the 2023 presidential election.
The minority leader of the House, Hon. Kingsley Chinda stated this in a condolence message on behalf of the caucus over the death of Akeredolu.
He said the late Governor Akeredolu was a courageous and fearless leader who spoke truth to power and a quintessential member of the Bar whose tenure as president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) championed campaign for the adherence to the rule of law.
Akeredolu Was Veritable Voice Of Reason – Southern Reps
The Southern Caucus of the House of Representatives, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Nicholas Mutu, in a statement by its secretary, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, yesterday described Akeredolu’s death as a painful loss.
The group described the deceased as an accomplished legal luminary, intellectual and a courageous voice of reason whose individuality and unambiguity on issues of societal and national importance were never in doubt.
Akeredolu: Death Came Like A Devastating Storm, Ondo APC Mourns
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State yesterday said the news of the death of the former governor came like a devastating storm to it.
In a statement issued by the state publicity secretary of the party, Alex Kalejaye, it said: “Mr. Governor’s vision and resolve to further promote the development of the land and people of the Sunshine State have been deleted by the merciless hand of death.”
According to Kalejaye, “Akeredolu provided leadership, not only for the South West zone but for the entire Southern part of the country, when it became most imperative for the courage to speak.”
