Tinubu: I Mourn My Fearless Brother

TRIBUTES FOR AKEREDOLU

By Our Correspondents

President Bola Tinubu has mourned Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, describing him as a fearless brother, confidant, political soulmate, believer in rejigging the nation’s security architecture and a man, who was full of ideas and action.

In a personal statement entitled: “I mourn my fearless brother, Rotimi Akeredolu,” signed by the President, he also described his death as blow not only to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) but the entire progressive family in Nigeria.

“It is a difficult task to have to pen a tribute and sing a dirge for a departing soul. It is a more difficult job in our African culture when one is compelled to do so for a younger person.

“Here am I having the difficult job of singing a dirge for Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, my beloved brother, confidant, political soulmate, and the Executive Governor of Ondo State.

“It is an impossible task to fully capture in words Rotimi’s towering figure and his human essence. Rotimi was a man who moved our nation towards equity, fairness and justice in his strident advocacy against every form of injustice in our country through the instrumentality of the law as a senior advocate, attorney-general of his beloved state, as President of the Nigerian Bar Association and Governor of Ondo State.

“In a challenging moment of our statehood when marauding agents of darkness spread their tentacles  across our country, Rotimi was a strong voice in wilderness calling us to rethink our security architecture so we can have a more secure nation. His unrelenting advocacy led to the birth of the local police in the South West.

“Rotimi was a man of ideas and action. While he was with us, he taught us the power of action and service. In Ondo State, where he had the honour to serve as the Governor over the past six years, he served his people with absolute loyalty, dedication, and forthrightness.

“His footprints dot the entire landscape of the state through the hundreds of kilometres of roads he built, the many schools he built, and healthcare facilities that he provided.

“During the dark hours when marauding agents of darkness visited the state and killed defenceless citizens where 40 worshippers of the Catholic Church of Owo were killed on June 5, 2022, Rotimi’s leadership qualities as a true statesman and compassionate leader radiated  brightly to the world.

‘He was a mourner-in-chief who guided his people through an agonising period. Today, I mourn a fighter and fearless defender of truth and the masses. My personal journey with Rotimi started as joint members of the progressive family.

“We fought many battles together  to restore progressive governance in the South West, Edo State, and Nigeria as a whole. During this uncertain period, Rotimi was resolute and unflinching. He showed uncommon courage as a member of our legal team in our battles to reclaim our stolen mandates in Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, and Osun States.

“A gallant lawyer and one of the finest of the legal profession. I beckoned on him to contest for the governorship position of Ondo State in 2012. Even though he did not make it in his first attempt, his enthusiasm and determination to serve his people never diminished.

“He eventually made it to the Alagbaka Government House in  his second attempt in the 2016 election. Since he was sworn in in February 2017,  he had served the people with devotion.

“Rotimi has played his role well and left us untimely. We will never see his likes again. Let me tell the people of Ondo State that I am grieving with you. We will honour Rotimi’s memory and make sure his legacy of service is never forgotten.

“In my grief and sadness, I have telephoned his wife, Betty, and Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to commiserate with them and urge them to take heart over this national tragedy. Governor Akeredolu was not just a friend and associate, the departed leader was a brother and a soulmate.

“His death is a blow to our governing APC and the progressive family as we are diminished by it. I hope that his successor Aiyedatiwa will hold steadfast to the vision of governance left by this towering political leader.”

Buhari: Akeredolu Was a Valued Friend

Former President Muhammadu Buhari, has mourned Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, describing him as a towering political and legal luminary.

In a condolence message, the ex-President Buhari said: “I have lost a valued friend. I pray that his soul finds eternal peace. My thoughts are with the countless people, who are inspired by his leadership in law and politics.

“My condolences to his family, the government and people of Ondo State and to our party, the All Progressives Congress.”

In another message to the large Na’Abba family in Kano, the government and the people of the state, the former President described the demise of the former Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Ghali Na’Abba, as a national loss.

“His insight into issues and nuanced understanding of politics had few parallels. Speaker Na’Abba was at the forefront of the defence of democracy at a time it faced the threat of extinction by powerful forces.

“He leaves us with innumerable memories of his activism in politics. May Allah forgive his wrongs.”

FG: Akeredolu Championed Equity, True Federalism

The federal government has described the late Governor of Ondo State, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, as a courageous and dynamic champion of  justice, security, equity and true federalism.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammad Idris made this portrayal of the deceased governor yesterday in a condolence message to the Akeredolu family, the government and people of Ondo State, the South-West geopolitical zone, and the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF).

The federal government said the courage and dynamism of Akeredolu found recognition in his emergence as the Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, a position that he deployed ceaselessly to champion justice, security, equity and true federalism.

“He capped this record of professional excellence with distinguished service as a public servant and administrator, winning two consecutive terms as the elected Governor of Ondo State.

“We mourn him deeply, and pray for the repose of his soul. May the Almighty God grant his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear this sad and untimely loss,” he said.

Akpabio, Senators  Mourn Akeredolu

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and some senators in the 10th Senate, have expressed shock over the death of Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.

Other senators who also  issued statements to mourn the deceased are Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; Ahmad Lawan; Sani Musa; and Orji Uzor Kalu.

Akpabio’s condolence message was issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh in Abuja, where he described the late governor as “a nationalist and the Iroko of the Sunshine state.”

He Akeredolu was a leader that knew his onions and was indeed the Iroko of Ondo State as he defended the state with all his strength as governor, who spent his active life fighting for justice, fairness and equity.

The Deputy President of the Senate in his condolence message, prayed to God to give all those the late governor left behind the strength to bear the irreparable loss, describing the deceased as a fearless political leader,  who lived and worked for the development of the country.

The Leader of the Senate, reflected on his encounter with Akeredolu not only as the Governor of Ondo State (2017-2023), but also as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (2008-2010) and Attorney-General of Ondo State (1997-1999), during which he served with utmost commitment.

Sani Musa, Chairman, Senate  Committee  on  Finance, in a statement described Akeredolu as a visionary leader whose commitment to the development and growth  of Ondo state was evident in his numerous achievements.

Former governor of Abia State and Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation, Orji Kalu, described Akeredolu’s death as a huge loss to the country, saying the late politician was bold, courageous, fearless and selfless.

Lawan, the president of the 9th Senate, said the  death of Akeredolu, left a void in the political and governance landscape of the nation and described him as a visionary leader whose commitment to the prosperity of Ondo was evident in his numerous achievements.

NGF: He Was True Believer in Justice

The chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and other governors had expressed sadness over the death ofOluwarotimi Akeredolu.

In a statement, he said, “It is with a heavy heart that I, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Chairman Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), on behalf of my colleagues and the entire staff of the Forum, commiserate wth the family of our dear brother, friend and colleague, H.E. Arakunrn Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu CON (SAN) on his demise on 27th December 2023.”

According to the statement, the chairman of the governors forum said, “Aketi was over by many, a true believer in justice and fairness – a course he towed dearly to the very end.

“Amongst many, he was a voce of reason, one whose counsel resonated well and often brought succour. He was an accomplished Senior Advocate of Nigeria, a true democrat, and a believer in the new Nigeria project.

“His humility and non-partisan stance for national interest to always prevail endeared him to many. His valuable contributions and interventions as a member of the Forum, helped us forge ahead of our political and ideological differences for the greater good of the nation.”

Soludo: He Was a Distinguished Legal Luminary

Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has mourned his Ondo State counterpart, Rotimi Akeredolu, whom he described as a distinguished legal luminary.

A release by his Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime,stated that Akeredolu’s death was both a personal and collective loss.

“The news of Governor Akeredolu’s death at the age of 67 is a personal and collective loss, not just to the people of Ondo State, but to Nigeria as a whole.

“As a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), he was a distinguished legal luminary, a fearless advocate, a passionate patriot, and a dedicated public servant who made a positive impact on the polity.”

Uzodimma: His Death Leaves Void Beyond State Borders

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has received the passing of Rotimi Akeredolu with rude shock and sadness, lamenting that the deceased’s death had left a vacuum that transcended state borders.

Describing Akeredolu as a distinguished leader and an in-law to behold, Uzodimma noted that the deceased’s astuteness in public service and commitment to public opinion which helped to shape matters of national interest could not be forgotten in a hurry.

He commiserated with Akeredolu’s widow, Betty, the entire Akeredolu family and the people and Government of Ondo State over the huge loss.

“The passing of His Excellency Governor Rotimi Akeredolu leaves a void that transcends State borders. His astuteness in public service and unwavering commitment to public opinion has indelibly shaped matters of national interest,” he said.

Amosun: He Was Loyal, Ever Dependable

Former Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has mourned Akeredolu, describing him as a loyal and ever dependable ally.

In a statement titled: “Ajanaku Sun Bi Oke”, he said, “I received with utmost grief but with submission to the wish of the Almighty God, the passage of my friend, comrade and brother, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the Governor of Ondo State, in the early hours of today.

It is a most arduous task writing about him in the past tense. Akeredolu was ever present. He was the life of every meeting and never left anyone in doubt about his position on any issue because of his candour, frankness, and honesty.

“He was not a typical politician who spoke from both sides of the mouth. Akeredolu was forthright, ever objective, and frank to a fault. Akeredolu was a loyal and ever dependable friend. What you see about him was always what he was. Ever forthright. Ever honest. Ever truthful.

“Akeredolu was a prominent voice in the progressive family and played a prominent role in the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC), both within the confines of the law court and in the bubbling political arena.”

Fayemi: I’ve Lost My Friend, Brother 

Immediate-past governor of Ekiti State and one timeChairman of the Nigerian Governors (NGF), Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has expressed profound grief over the passing of Rotimi Akerodolu, saying he’d lost a brother and friend.

Fayemi described the late Akeredolu as a nationalist and statesman, whose death was a great loss to the country and especially the people of Ondo State.

In a message by the head of the Fayemi Media Centre, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, Fayemi described the late Akeredolu as a true friend and brother with whom he collaborated over the years, in and out of government, on several national causes, to make life better for the ordinary people.

“He was deeply devoted to the ideals of equity and fairness, which motivated his outspokenness in national affairs. Although frank and courageous in expressing his views, his opinions were always grounded in the pursuit of truth, justice, good governance, and national unity.

“He was an outstanding governor, who implemented wide-ranging infrastructural and socio-economic programs that have transformed the development of Ondo State. He has undoubtedly left indelible footprints on the sands of time as far as the state is concerned.”

Sanwo-Olu: It’s Colossal Loss to Nigeria

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has mourned the passing of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), describing the death as a colossal loss to the country.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, said Akeredolu would be greatly missed for his positive impacts in Ondo State, South-West and Nigeria as a whole.

He commiserated with Aiyedatiwa, Akeredolu’s widow, Dr. Betty Akeredolu, and the entire family and friends of the deceased.

Sanwo-Olu described the death of Akeredolu as a colossal loss to the country, adding that, while alive, the deceased made lots of positive contributions to the growth and development of Ondo State and Nigeria, especially in the judiciary and governance.

“The death of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) is a colossal loss to the country, particularly the people of Ondo State. He made lots of impactful contributions during his lifetime to the growth and development of Nigeria, first as a lawyer and later as a two-term governor.”

Adams: It’s Huge Loss to Yorubaland

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Chief Gani Adams has described the death of Akeredolu as a huge loss to Yorubaland.

Adams, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Kehinde Aderemi, said he received the news of governor Akeredolu’s death as a rude shock, saying a dark cloud enveloped Ondo State and the South-west in general.

“I received the news of governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s death with  shock. It came at a time when we all hoped for his return from Germany, where he had since been receiving  treatment for the sickness that had taken him away from the public for a very long time now.

“The late Arakunrin Akeredolu was my governor. He was the governor of Ondo State and the loss was also very personal to me, first as a native  of the state and second as the Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land.

“The late governor Akeredolu was a voice that remained louder even as he battled his protracted sickness. He gave the necessary support to Amotekun, the south western Security Network and he was very well known for taking bold step on any initiative that could advance the cause of the south west region.”

Mbah: He Kept Faith, Fought Good Fight

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has joined other eminent Nigerians in mourning Rotimi Akeredolu, saying he fought the good fight and served his people and nation wholeheartedly.

Mbah recalled that as an intellectual leader and legal luminary, Akeredolu came prepared for leadership and delivered on his mandate, adding that his death was a grave loss to not only the people of Ondo, but the entire nation and humanity.

Reacting to the sad development, Mbah, in a statement, said: “I received with deep sadness the news of the passing of His Excellency, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN. It is a grievous loss, not only to his immediate family and the good people of Ondo State, but also to the nation as a whole.

“Chief Akeredolu was a courageous leader, who shone like a million stars in the legal profession, loved and defended his people, giving his utmost best towards the development of Ondo State.  He served Ondo State and Nigeria passionately and wholeheartedly.

“Indeed, he finished well, he kept faith and he fought the good fight, even till the end.”

Makinde: He worked Hard for Peace, Prosperity

Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has expressed sadness over the death of Rotimi Akeredolu, saying the deceased worked for peace and prosperity of the South West.

Makinde, in a statement, stated that the death of the former President of NBA, was a sad loss to Yorubaland and Nigeria.

He expressed his heartfelt condolences to his wife, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the entire family, and the Government and people of Ondo State.

Describing Akeredolu as a dogged and courageous leader, hesaid Aketi, worked hard with his colleague-governors for the peace, prosperity and progress of South-West states.

“I have also lost a worthy co-fighter for the South-West cause because we were both at the vanguard of the struggle, which birthed the South-West Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun,” he said.

Oyebanji: His Death a Monumental Loss

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed his condolences on the death of his Ondo State counterpart, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi  Akeredolu (SAN), describing it as a monumental loss to the Yoruba nation and the country at large.

Oyebanji in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said he was devastated by the news of the death of the Ondo State governor, who was once President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

The governor said his administration and the entire people of Ekiti State identified with the government and people of the state at this critical period of mourning Akeredolu.

Oyebanji described Akeredolu as a legal giant and scholar, an administrator par excellence, a consummate and courageous politician, who spoke truth to power till he breathed his last.

“This is indeed a sad day. I have lost a senior brother, a friend of our dear state, a dogged fighter  and a visionary leader” Governor Oyebanji said.

Alia: Akeredolu, Na’Abba’s Deaths Sad  Moments 

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has expressed sadness over the death of Rotimi Akeredolu and a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, who represented Kano Municipal Federal Constituency, Ghali Umar Na’Abba.

The governor in a press statement by his CPS, Mr Tersoo Kula, described Akeredolu as a gentleman, whom as the governor,  gave his all in trying to change the fortunes of his State.

He urged the people of Ondo to take solace in the fact that his late colleague lived an exemplary and purposeful life with remarkable achievements as a public servant, administrator, lawyer and a dedicated family man.

The governor described the death of the duo of Akerdolu and Ghali Na’Abba, as a great loss, saying the lives they touched and their various contributions towards the development of the country will be greatly missed, not only by the people of Ondo and Kano States, but by the entire nation.

“Their passage constitutes a big blow to the people of Nigeria whose lives they touched in their eventful lives which they devoted to public service,” he said.

Adeleke: It’s Huge National Loss

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has said he was deeply troubled by the news of the death of Rotimi Akeredolu, describing it as a huge national loss.

Adeleke said he was deeply touched by the demise of Akeredolu, whom he said made great contributions to the Nigeria in the legal field and public service.

“Arakunrin Akeredolu was one of the finest minds in the country’s legal profession, and as a colleague in the Governor’s Forum, his wise counsel and constructive contributions is hard to miss. Nigeria lost one of its finest, and I’m hugely shaken,” he said.

The governor condoled with Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the family of the deceased, the Government and the people of Ondo State over this painful loss, urging them to keep his memory alive by sustaining his legacy of good deeds and impacts.”

Obaseki: He Served People Meritoriously 

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has mourned the passing of Rotimi Akeredolu, noting that he served his people meritoriously and diligently, building a legacy of sacrifice, sustainable development and prosperity.

In a statement, Obaseki commiserated with the Akeredolu family, as well as the Government and people of Ondo State, praying that God would grant all the fortitude to bear thepainful and irreparable loss.

“It is with great grief that I received the news of the passing of my brother governor and dear friend, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, the Governor of Ondo State, who served his people meritoriously and diligently, building a legacy of sacrifice, sustainable development and prosperity.

“Brave and independent-minded, Akeredolu was a great man in all ramifications. From an illustrious career as a lawyer, rising to become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and then serving as Governor of Ondo State, his intellect, hard work and diligence stood him out and was reflected in his attainments and the fervour with which he served the good people of Ondo State.

“His legacy in the legal profession is indelible as he was renowned in his field of expertise while building a reputation of being thorough, incisive and comprehensive. It won him a lot of admirers who came to recognise his genius.”

Abiodun: Akeredolu’s Death Tragic

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has described the death of Rotimi Akeredolu, as tragic.

In his condolence Aiyedatiwa, the family of the deceased and Ondo people, Abiodun described Akeredolu as a a dogged fighter throughout his life time.

According to him, Akeredolu stood for equity and fairness in the run up to the 2023 presidential election when he was the chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum.

Abiodun said Akeredolu was a visionary leader with an unwavering dedication to his people and social justice.

He said: “Akeredolu made an indelible mark on Nigerian politics. From his tenure as the chairman of the Nigerian 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.”

Bago: He Built Bridges, Friendships 

Niger State Governor Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Bago haspaid glowing tributes to Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, saying he built bridges and friendships.

In his condolence messages, Bago described the deceased asan astute politician, who built bridges of friendship across the political divide of the country

Bago specifically  described Akeredolu  “as an astute politician who had the passion and determination to better the lot of his people.

He acknowledged the deceased’s  contributions to the progress of the ruling Party, the  APC, saying, “The strong will demonstrated by the deceased in oder to provide purposeful leadership to the people of Ondo State even while on sick bed is a virtue to reckoned with.”

His Death is Painful, Say Abbas, Ganduje

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi  Ganduje, have expressed grief over the death of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, describing it as a painful loss.

Abbas, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, described Akeredolu’s death as a big blow to the APC family, noting that the governor was one of the brilliant legal minds in the ruling party.

The Speaker eulogised Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, for his doggedness, brilliance, and patriotism in his lifetime.

Ganduje, in his message, described his death as a great loss not only to Ondo State but also to the entire country, the progressive family, the legal profession and the ruling APC.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje said Akeredolu who died at 67 after a protracted illness, left behind a remarkable legacy of dedication towards the development and betterment of Ondo State.

House, Afenifere Mourn Akeredolu

The House of Representatives and Afenifere have expressed deep sadness over the demise of Rotimi  Akeredolu.

House Spokesman, Hon. Akin Rotimi, in a statement, said his death was an unforgettable loss to Ondo State which he has led in the last seven years, and the country at large.

He added that Akeredolu’s impact on the political landscape as an accomplished lawyer who rose to become President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and later as governor were unique footprints in Nigerian governance that would be remembered by many generations.

Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, has expressed shock over the demise of Akeredolu.

Fasoranti, in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the organisation,  Jare Ajayi, described the late governor as a quintessence gentleman, a thorough professional, a patriot and a very courageous individual.

“Since his youthful days, ever before he became governor, Akeredolu had been an activist who was always fighting on the side of the people.

“Like another illustrious son of this state, Ondo, late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Akeredolu was known to be pro-people in the way he practiced law and in other areas of his public engagements.

“Even after he became the first citizen, he never relented in his siding with the people as reflected in his various actions and utterances,” said Fasoranti, who recalled the roles played by the late governor, especially on security.

Alake: He Was a Defender of Worthy Cause 

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake,has described the late Rotimi Akeredolu, as an irrepressible fighter and courageous defender of the people.

In his reaction to the demise of Akeredolu, Alake stated that Ondo State had lost a gem and a quintessential progressive,who was always at the forefront of defending his people and fighting for the emancipation of the downtrodden.

“I am deeply shocked by the loss of a brother and friend and indeed one of the leaders of the progressive movement, late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. Akeredolu carved a niche for himself as a bold and irrepressible defender of the interests of Ondo people and the Yoruba nation.

“His voice resonated across the country as a lodestar in the struggle for the entrenchment of true federalism. As State Governor, he made the welfare of the people the focal point of governance. “

Ali: We Lost a Dogged Fighter 

A legal luminary,  Mallam Yusuf Ola-Olu  Ali, SAN, has joined well-meaning Nigerians to mourn Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, saying the legal profession had lost a dogged fighter.

Ali, however, commiserated with the people of  his home town, Owo and Ondo  State over the death of the senior lawyer.

Ali in a chat with THISDAY in Ilorin, yesterday, he said,”It’s sad to us in the law profession because of his doggedness and commitment to his sterling principle.”

He said that, it was shocking that the death of Akeredolu hadcome at this time of his commitment to make life more bearable for the people of Ondo State, adding: “We will missed him greatly.”

His Death, a National Loss, Says PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed sadness over the death of Rotimi Akeredolu, describing his death as a national loss.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, the PDP said it was saddened by the news of the death of Akeredolu whom it said  was a courageous and amiable personality.

It further described him as a brilliant lawyer and outstanding administrator with deep understanding and capacity for leadership especially in his roles towards the unity, stability and development of the nation.

“His death is a huge national loss. He was an unrepentant fighter for Fairness, Equity and Justice in the affairs of the nation. He believed in true federalism, respect, defence and protection of ethnic nationalities, which he advocated as prerequisite for peace and development in our nation.”

SDP Mourns, Says Akeredolu, Na’Abba’s Death Painful

The Social Democratic Party (SDP), has described the death of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as painful and a great loss to the South-West.

The party also expressed sadness over the death of a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba

The Southwest Zonal Secretary of the party, Mr Femi Olaniyi, in a statement, said Nigeria has lost a great leader.

“It is a painful one that the governor died and ended this way after struggling for so long for his life. We want to send our condolences to the family and all the people in Ondo state.

“This is the time for mourning, not to celebrate anything, especially the politicians. We just need to pray for the family the governor left behind. Aketi has done really well for Ondo state compared to all his predecessors,” he said.

Adamu: Akeredolu, Na’Abba Are Monumental Losses to Nigeria

A former National Chairman of the APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, has described the demise of the Ondo State Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN and former Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr. Ghali Umar Na’Abba as monumental losses to the country.

In condolence messages to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Mallam Abba Kabir Yusuf, Governor of Kano State, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Adamu said the demise of the duo was unfortunate and sad.

The former governor of Nasarawa State said although the demise of Akeredolu was no doubt a painful development for the government and people of Ondo State and his family require comfort from God, the Almighty, they should however, take solace in the fact that he lived a very fruitful and impactful life.

“He was a lawyer and politician of distinction, rising to become the National President of the Nigerian Bar Association and until his demise, the Executive Governor of Ondo State. We must all therefore glorify God, for his life was very well lived,” he stated.

In the same vein, he condoled the government and people of Kano State as well as members and leadership of the lower chamber for the demise of Na’Abba who he said impacted positively on the country’s democracy as Speaker.

“In his time as Speaker of the House of Representatives, he contributed significantly to deepening and strengthening our democracy through quality legislative processes and engagements with other arms of government.”