Family, members, friends, political associates and professional colleagues converged on Ibadan, the Oyo State capital to celebrate late former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu
The event organised by ‘Friends of Aketi’ to celebrate the life and times of the departed late Ondo State Governor held at Jogor Centre in commemoration of his 68th posthumous birthday.
The celebration featured tributes, music, dance, drama as well as a re-enactment of the impactful life of Oluwarotimi right from cradle to adulthood in a dramatised documentary.
Unlike the somber mood which pervaded the atmosphere during his funeral rites, the gathering was one of thanksgiving, enlivened with the outpour of tributes and unforgettable memories of Aketi.
In her tribute, the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and late Governor Akeredolu’s professional mother, 92-year-old Chief Folake Solanke recalled her first meeting with the deceased in the 80s who was then a young lawyer and a youth corps member.
Solanke described Akeredolu as a very bright and brave Nigerian whom she was sure would shine in the legal profession.
The first female SAN said she would forever honour the memory of her great “professional son” and dancing partner.
The late former governor’s two daughters, Teniola Akeredolu-Olatunde and Yejide Akeredolu-Runsewe described their father as a loving and caring father who was also a disciplinarian.
With smiles and tears, they recalled how their father always had a nickname for everyone.
President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina remarked how selfless, humane and generous the late governor Akeredolu was, stressing that his death at such a time like this, was a great loss to the African Community as a whole.
The colourful ceremony also featured a spice of culture, as traditional female dancers from Owo, late governor’s home town displayed the beauty of their culture through their unique dance styles.
The days of Aketi as a Students Union activist while at the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife and a member of the Kegites club were also brought to life.
Scion of the late renowned author of Yoruba Heritage, D.O. Fagunwa who was a high ranking Kegite went back in time to their days as students.
Unveiling “The Essential Aketi”, a 275 page book of tributes was the highpoint of the event.
The Southern Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, an initiative which the late Aketi was instrumental to its formation also displayed a moment to celebrate the iconic late erudite legal icon and politician.
In Attendance at the ceremony were Akeredolu’s widow, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, representative of the governor of Ekiti State, Abiodun Oyebamiji, Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde who was represented by his Deputy Chief Of Staff, Mr Folajimi Oyekunle; the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, royal fathers and dignitaries from all walks of life.
Arakunrin Akeredolu was born on July 21, 1956 in Owo, Ondo State and died on December 27, 2023.
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