*New gov visits Akeredolu’s family, vows to keep his legacies
*Ondo, Oyo declare three days of mourning
*Jonathan, Atiku, Osinbajo, Abiodun, Otti, others mourn ex-gov, Na’Abba
Chuks Okocha, Adedayo Akinwale, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja, Segun James in Lagos, Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia, Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo, Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan, and Fidelis David in Akure
President Bola Tinubu, last night, met with the new Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, at his Lagos residence, and encouraged him to take charge of things, and mobilise the people to move the state forward.
This was as Aiyedatiwa, vowed that the name of his late predecessor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, would never be forgotten because his legacies and impacts could be seen and felt across the state and the country.
Aiyedatiwa, who said this, when he led members of the State Executive Council on a condolence visit to the Akeredolu family in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, however, declared three days of mourning in honour of the governor.
Also, toeing the path of Ondo, the Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared three days of state mourning for the deceased Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum.
Meanwhile, former President Goodluck Jonathan; former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; and the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, among other prominent Nigerians and groups, who have continued to mourn the former governor, and 8th speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba, who also passed Wednesday.
However, when asked by journalists what President Tinubu’s response was during their meeting, Aiyedatiwa said, “It was a paradox, a mixed feeling, he commiserated with me, even though he put a call through yesterday to condole with us in Ondo State.
“Through me, he still did the same today, and also wished me well, that there can never be a vacuum, one era ends, another one begins, but still within same administration and that’s the first time such a thing will be happening in Ondo State, to have a transition within an administration, due to the demise of the governor.
“So, it’s basically an advice and to also encourage me to take charge and mobilise everybody as one administration that we are known for. So, to pull everybody together to work together and see how we can move the state forward,” he said.
Explaining the purpose of his visit to Tinubu, Aiyedatiwa said, “I’m here to see Mr President, to further brief him on the events that happened in our state; the loss of our governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, and to also let him know that I have just been sworn in, because there can never be a vacuum, as the governor of Ondo State, being his former deputy.
“To also thank him for standing by us during the critical moment in our state. It’s no longer news what happened in the last six months in Ondo State that was in the news. Ondo State was practically in the news almost everyday in the last six months, but all that has been put to rest now, and he stood by us as the President of the country.
“So, I’m here to just thank him for being a father-figure to the state, all his advice and the development – right now, and what we are looking forward to do in the days ahead,” he said.
Also, yesterday, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who was also a guest of the president, said he visited to commiserate with him and update him on developments in his state.
Speaking at Akeredolu’s residence in Ibadan, Aiyedatiwa, while speaking about his late principal, said he was a sincere, courageous, selfless and patriotic leader, who fought for his people, championed development and touched many lives.
The new governor, in an emotional tribute, also described Akeredolu as a caring and compassionate husband, father and grandfather, adding that it was a rare privilege to have served under his tutelage.
He reiterated that the demise of his late boss was a great loss to Ondo State, the Southwest region and Nigeria at large, stressing that his struggle for a peaceful, fair and just society was one that could never be forgotten in a hurry.
He noted that the legacies of Akeredolu would continue to reverberate in his invaluable contributions to the socio-economic and infrastructure development of Ondo State, the growth of the Anglican Church and the reforms in the legal profession in Nigeria.
The governor emphasised that Akeredolu completed and fulfilled his mission on earth and was blessed with wonderful children that could sustain his good name.
Responding on behalf of the Akeredolu Family, the younger brother of the deceased, Pastor Kola Akeredolu, thanked the delegation for the thoughtful visit.
Prayers were also offered for the Akeredolu family while Aiyedatiwa led others to the signing of the condolence register.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Government has declared a three-day period of mourning in honour of Akeredolu.
The state government said the period of mourning, with fasting and prayer, took effect from yesterday, December 28 to Saturday, December 30.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor also ordered national flags to be flown at half-mast across the state.
“In a solemn declaration, the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has announced a three-day period of State mourning in honour of the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, former Governor of Ondo State, who died in the early hours of Wednesday, December 27, 2023.
“This period of mourning, with fasting and prayer, takes effect from Thursday, December 28 to Saturday, December 30, 2023. Also, all national flags are to be flown at half-mast in reflection of the mood of the State for seven days.
“The Governor also announced the suspension of State government ceremonies during this period of mourning.
“Meanwhile, condolence registers have been opened at the Governor’s Office and the Government House in Akure, as well as State Liaison Offices in Lagos and Abuja.”
Similarly, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, yesterday, declared three days of state mourning for Akeredolu.
Makinde, who is the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, gave the directive in a release by his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
The governor equally ordered that all flags at public offices in the state be flown at half mast for the three days.
Meanwhile, tributes have continued to pour in for Akeredolu as more and more notable Nigerians, praised the deceased for his roles in nation’s development.
Goodluck Jonathan:
Former president Jonathan described Akeredolu as a sincere patriot and legal luminary, who prioritised equity, justice and the collective peace of the nation above personal, political and ethnic interests.
The former president, who stated this in a condolence message he personally signed noted that the late governor would be remembered for his forthrightness and advocacy for constitutionalism, democracy and good governance.
“Mr Rotimi Akeredolu was a prominent lawyer and politician, who helped shape democratic governance and promoted peace and development in Nigeria.
“As a lawyer, he was a sound and courageous legal luminary renowned for his advocacy for constitutionalism, democracy and good governance.
“As a politician, Mr Akeredolu served his state and the nation diligently as a sincere patriot who prioritised equity, justice, collective peace and unity of the nation above personal, political and ethnic interests.”
Atiku Abubakar:
Ex-vice president Atiku posted on his X Account his shock over the death of both Akeredolu and Ghali Na’Abba.
He said, “It was with a rude shock and sadness that I read about the passing of the Governor of Ondo State, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Gali Umar Na’Abba.
“Governor Akeredolu was a quintessential gentleman, who took the finesse to governance. A two-term elected governor of the Sunshine State, Akeredolu was a politician of class because he was never known for destructive politics.
“Hon. Na’Abba on the other hand raised the bar of legislative enterprise in Nigeria as it is evident that the 1st Session of the National Assembly where he served with distinction between 1999-2003 remains one of the best in the annals of our legislatures.
“Both Governor Akeredolu, Aketi, as he was fondly called, and Speaker Na’Abba will be sorely missed for the inestimable roles that they played in our national development.”
Yemi Osinbajo:
Professor Yemi Osinbajo, wrote: “Dolly and I express our sincere condolence to Her Excellency Betty Akeredolu, children, family, friends, associates of HE Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu @rotimiaketi and the government and people of Ondo State on his passing.
“I have lost a brother and friend of over 40 years. Aketi was bold, courageous, forthright, fair-minded, kind and God-fearing. He firmly believed in our democracy, in Justice and the rule of law.
“He loved the people of Ondo State and was passionate about their security and economic advancement. We pray that the Almighty God will comfort the family and people of Ondo State on this great loss. Amen. Sun re o, Aketi Baba!!”
Alex Otti:
Governor Otti expressed his sadness in a statement by his chief press secretary, Mr. Kazie Uko, saying the late Akeredolu was a courageous fighter for the rights of the citizens.
He also described the late governor as an astute lawyer, an interventionist in politics, a friend and a man whom he shared special relationship with.
Otti revealed that Akeredolu was “my personal lawyer prior to assuming office” and regretted that the former Ondo governor did not live long enough even to serve out his second term in office.
He urged the Akeredolu family to find solace and encouragement by the positive impact he made in the society and the formidable legacy he left behind.
He, however, congratulated the new Ondo State governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was sworn-in shortly after the state government confirmed the death of his former boss.
He expressed confidence in Aiyedatiwa’s ability to steer the ship of Ondo State even though he was assuming office at a very critical moment in the political life of the state.
Bode George:
Former old Ondo State military governor and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has described the death of Akeredolu, as a monumental loss, and a big lesson that those in position of authority to always strive to defend the interests of Nigerians.
George, who recalled the role played by Akeredolu in the formation of the local security outfit in South-West, Amotekun, said he (Akeredolu) stood out when lives and property of people of Ondo State in particular and Yoruba people of South-West were threatened by invaders.
“Akeredolu, who I always referred to as ‘My Aburo’, made a great difference in the lives of his people and the nation through a combination of purposeful leadership and commitment to excellent service delivery.
“It is really unfortunate and sad that we are referring to this legal giant, great scholar, politician and administrator par excellence in past tense. He was a consummate and courageous politician, who spoke truth to power till he breathed his last.”
Adeleke Congratulates New Ondo Gov
Governor Ademola Adeleke has congratulated the newly sworn-in Governor of Ondo State, Hon Lucky Ayedatiwa, describing his emergence as “the will of God”
The Governor, who again lamented the demise of Akeredolu said God was the alpha and omega, the giver of life and power, urging the new governor to continue his devotion to the service of the people and humanity.
“I rejoice with my colleague, the new Governor of Ondo state. This is a golden opportunity to expand delivery of democratic dividends, heal the wounds of the past and unite the state for greater advancement.
“Ondo state has passed through multiple turbulence. It is my prayers that the power transition will deepen democracy and widen the hope and aspirations of the people for a people -oriented Governor.”
Edwin Clark:
The National Leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, has on behalf of the people of the South-South geopolitical zone, expressed pain over the death of Akeredolu.
PANDEF, in a statement by its National Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, acknowledged the late Akeredolu’s standings as a great Nigerian lawyer, jurist, public servant, and politician, amongst other things.
Essien said PANDEF and the entire Nigerians “will eternally remember Akeredolu’s forthright views on issues of constitutional law and national importance”
The group cited the roles he played particularly when he held sway as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
“His critical thoughts on daily affairs and constitutionalism in major ways contributed to the consolidation of our democracy and peaceful coexistence as a people.
“It is also an ineffaceable fact that under his watch as Governor, Ondo State became a center point of economic and social development.
“As Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu played critical roles that culminated in the birth of ‘Amotekun’, a sub-regional security outfit, being the first of its type in our country.
“This singular initiative, substantially, brought down the spate of kidnapping, killings, and brigandage in the South West zone.
“Aketi, as he was fondly called was a dogged fighter and was an outstanding, strong, and steadfast proponent of the quest for the rotation of the presidency to the southern part of the country in 2023.”
House Southern Caucus:
The Southern Caucus of the House of Representatives, has described Akeredolu as a warrior and a courageous fighterand a giant.
The caucus under the leadership of Hon. Nicholas Mutu,expressed its heartfelt condolences to the Ondo State government and the immediate family of Akeredolu over his demise, describing it as a painful loss.
The caucus in a statement by its Secretary, Hon. Afam Ogene, described Akeredoku, 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.
“Aketi was a charismatic personality, who contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria’s legal profession and democracy, with passion, grace and fearlessness.
“He loved his people so passionately that it was never in doubt where he stood on matters that concerned the Yoruba race, the south and his immediate constituents, the Ondo people.
“Arakunrin was always there in the forefront, to speak for his people, fight for their interests and was an advocate for equity and fairness in the Nigerian system, till the end.”
Jimoh Ibrahim:
The senator representing Ondo South senatorial district in the National Assembly, Dr Jimoh Ibrahim, said he was sad and devastated that Akeredolu could not survive his illness.
He said in a statement that while Ondo State has lost an illustrious son, a fearless advocate of unity, equity and fairness and a faithful servant of the people, Nigeria has lost a strong voice.
“It is a monumental loss to Ondo in particular and Nigeria as a whole. A fearless commentator on national affairs is gone,” he said.
He said Akeredolu’s legacy projects dot Ondo state’s landscape and that the greatest honour that could be done to him is to build on the foundation for development that he has laid.
