By Olutola Daramola
Indeed, to live in the hearts of those we love is not to die.
This saying was brought to life as family members, friends, political associates and professional colleagues converged on Jogor Centre, Ring Road, Ibadan to celebrate and remember the life and times of the departed former Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu .
The event tagged AKETI; a celebration of one tree that almost made a forest, was organized by “Friends of Aketi” in commemoration of his 68th post-humous birthday.
The celebration featured tributes, music, dance, and drama as well as a re-enactment of the impactful life of Oluwarotimi right from cradle to adulthood in a docudrama.
Unlike the sombre mood which pervaded the atmosphere during his funeral rites, the gathering was one of thanksgiving, enlivened with outpouring of tributes and unforgettable memories of the man Aketi.
In her tribute, the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria and late Governor Akeredolu’s ‘professional mother’, Chief Folake Solanke, aged 92, recalled her first meeting with the deceased in the 80s, when Akete was then a young lawyer and youth corpsmen.
Chief Solanke described the late Rotimi Akeredolu as a very bright and brave man, who 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 dance partner.
Two daughters of the deceased, 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 Rotimi 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 Akeredolu’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 high point of the event.
There was also a colourful display by the South-West Security Network, code-named AMOTEKUN, an initiative in which the Late Aketi was instrumental to its formation.
In attendance at the ceremony were the wife of the late Akeredolu, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami, Representative of the Governor of Ekiti State, Abiodun Oyebamiji, Oyo State Governor 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 works of life.
Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu was born on the 21st of July, 1956 in Owo, Ondo State and died on the 27th of December, 2023.
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