By Iyabo Adebisi/Oluwakayode Banjo
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has expressed sadness on the death of Ondo State Governor Olurotimi Akeredolu (SAN), describing him as an exceptional statesman who made indelible marks in public service.
The forum commiserates with the Progressives Governors’ Forum, the government and people of Ondo State, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), as well as the immediate family of the late Governor of the Sunshine State.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Rafiu Ajakaye described the loss as painful and urged all to take solace in his fine legacies as a gentleman and statesman and prayed to God to repose his soul and look after his family.”
Similarly, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday described the death of his Ondo State counterpart, Rotimi Akeredolu, as tragic.
Akeredolu succumbed to leukaemia in Lagos on Wednesday. He was 67.
In his condolence message to the acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the family of the deceased and Ondo people, Prince Abiodun described Akeredolu, who until his death was the chairman of the South West Governors Forum, as a dogged fighter throughout his lifetime.
According to him, Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) stood for equity and fairness in the run-up to the 2023 presidential election when he was the chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum.
Prince Abiodun said Akeredolu was a visionary leader with an unwavering dedication to his people and social justice.
Abiodun said: “Akeredolu made an indelible mark on Nigerian politics. From his tenure as the chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association to his role as the chairman of the South West Governors Forum, he continuously championed the cause of justice and the upliftment of his people.
“Known for his tireless efforts to improve the lives of Ondo citizens, Akeredolu spearheaded major initiatives that brought about positive change. Under his leadership, the state witnessed significant advancements in healthcare, infrastructure, and education. His commitment to sustainable development earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and citizens alike.
“As the nation mourns the loss of a formidable leader, Rotimi Akeredolu’s memory will continue to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come. His legacy of compassion, justice, and progress will endure, forever reminding Nigerians of the transformative power of dedicated leadership.
“In this time of immense grief, the people of Ondo State must unite, draw strength from their cherished memories of their late governor and resolve to honour his legacy by building upon the foundations he laid, ensuring that his vision for a better and brighter future for Ondo State lives on.”
Members of the Nigeria Political Project and Legal Profession have been reacting to the death of the governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu SAN who passed on in a German hospital.
Some notable personalities, who spoke with Radio Nigeria Correspondent, Iyabo Adebisi described the death of Governor Akeredolu as unfortunate especially when the country and the Ondo state need him.
According to the senator representing Oyo South Senatorial district at the National Assembly, Sharafadeen Alli, Governor Akeredolu was a patriotic Nigerian who was passionate about the progress of the country.
Senator Alli said the late Akeredolu contributed greatly to the legal profession when he was the president Nigeria Bar Association, NBA.
Also Speaking, a legal icon, Niyi Akintola, SAN, who noted that the late Akeredolu was his colleague and confidant, described him as an ‘Omoluabi’ in the real sense of the Yoruba mantra.
Mr Akintola, SAN, stated that the deceased believed in justice saying the role he played in the invasion of herdsmen in the Yoruba land and the Owo massacre of hundreds of people where he hailed from could not be forgotten in a hurry.
In the same vein, Oyo APC has described Akeredolu as a champion of democracy.
The Party said Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s, SAN, death was unfortunate given his contributions to society as it concerns humanity, democracy and good governance.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and made available to journalists in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, Oyo APC commiserated with Mrs Betty Akeredolu as well President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and the good people of Ondo over the transition of Arakunrin Akeredolu who, according to the party, died at a time his services was still needed by his people.
“Arakunrin Akeredolu made a great impact in many ways as he was a dogged fighter, astute legal practitioner and patriotic democrat who would not spare any effort to promote justice and fairness at all times regardless of the risk involved. There is no doubt that he would be sorely missed by all and sundry. Therefore, we pray God to grant him eternal rest and give his family and the good people of the Sunshine State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.” Oyo APC stated.
Also, the Chairman, Ondo State Christian Association of Nigeria, Very Revd. Fr. Anselm Ologunwa has described the death of Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State as a colossal loss to the state and Nigeria as a whole.
A statement from the director of information and communications of the association, Mr Daisi Ajayi said, Fr. Ologunwa expressed shock to have received the sudden news of the death of the Governor.
Fr. Ologunwa described Governor Akeredolu as a great fighter of democracy, and a dedicated and loving father of all.
According to him, the Governor had exhibited several outstanding qualities during his tenure of administration ranging from the establishment of Amotekun security outfit and his stand on the unity of the country.
The chairman affirmed that Akeredolu is well noted for his firmness in decision-making making is usually called, ” Mr Talk and Do” Governor.
He also identified various infrastructural development his administration embarked upon ranging from roads, buildings and other social development across the state.
Fr. Ologunwa said his death will no doubt bring about a vacuum in the state but however optimistic that with God all things are possible.
The chairman condoled with the people of the state and the immediate family of Akeredolu for the irreparable loss of the Governor and prayed to God to grant him eternal rest.
Gov. Akeredolu reportedly died in Lagos on Wednesday following months of intense battle with leukaemia. Until his death, he was serving his second term in Office having won his election and reelection in 2016 and 2020 respectively.
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, aged 67 was serving his second time in office before his death.
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