Fidelis David reports that the nine-day funeral activities for the former governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, came to a close last Sunday with thanksgiving seevice at St Andrews Anglican Cathedral in Owo, raising treasurable memories of Akeredolu’s life among family, friends, political associates and the world as a whole.
William Shakespeare of blessed memory believed evils that men do live after them while the goods are interred with their bones. His Shakespearean text – Julius Caesar – has been proved wrong with the theory of late Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who died on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 after a prolonged illness at the age of 67.
However, the tributes and flood of encomiums that greeted the passage of the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) as well as the calibre of dignitaries that paid their last respect to the deceased at the weekend in Owo, Ondo State had since justified how the good of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu lives after him.
Last Wednesday, his remains was moved to Owo after series of activities held to honour the former Governor in both Ibadan, the Oyo State capital and Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Besides, the quality of people at the burial was further proof that Akeredolu didn’t live an empty life. The deceased would definitely turn in his grave for the honour and unrivalled show of love by all and sundry.
Faces at the Event
Precisely, the funeral service hosted President Bola Tinubu who led dignitaries from all walks of life to Owo town, in Ondo State to witness the burial of Akeredolu after a nine-day funeral rites.
Aside Tinubu who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, other dignitaries including Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Swnator George Akume; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdulahi Ganduje; governors, ministers, monarchs, captain of industries, and other well-meaning Nigerians witnessed the burial service of the former governor, held at St Andrews Anglican Cathedral, in Owo.
Governors present included Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo); Babajide Sanwolu (Lagos); Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara); Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti); Ademola Adeleke (Osun); Seyi Makinde (Oyo); Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); Godwin Obaseki (Edo) Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta); Douye Diri (Bayelsa); Prof Charles Soludo (Anambra); Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia (Benue); Peter Mbah (Enugu) and Ahmed Ododo, represented by his deputy, Salifu Oyibo (Kogi).
Other eminent Nigerians who graced the event were Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; former Governors: Dr. Olusegun Mimiko; Chief Niyi Adebayo; Dr. John Kayode Fayemi and his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Alhaji Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari; Senator Gbenga Daniel; Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Senator Chris Ngige; and others.
A Fearless Soldier
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his tribute described Akeredolu as a “fearless soldier and unwavering advocate for his people”.
Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, lauded Akeredolu’s indomitable legacy of national service, saying, “we are gathered here today to bid farewell to a remarkable soul, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON.
“As we gather here today, we are confronted with one inexorable truth: seasons come and seasons go, much like the ebb and flow of our lives, and each of us shall go with the tides one after the other.
“We are also reminded that in this transient journey through life, we are but whispers in the wind. The parts of us that endure after we get to the end of our journey are the choices we make, and this moment is the ultimate confirmation of the noble paths trodden by our dear brother.”
Tinubu traced Akeredolu’s journey, from his distinguished legal career to his pivotal role as Governor of Ondo State. He praised his vast intelligence and the profound impact of his leadership, noting that “there was no point in life where his voice shook in telling his truth. He was a vastly intelligent man whose passion has created quite a wide vacuum beyond this community.”
The President emphasised Akeredolu’s commitment to serving through democratic means, stating that “he recognised that the most pragmatic path to serving humanity is to present ourselves willingly to be chosen by the people.”
He commended his “strength of character and conviction”, acknowledging the sacrifices he made to serve his community.
He Served Humanity to the Best of his Ability
While acknowledging the grief of the nation, President Tinubu emphasised that this day was not just about mourning. “Today is a day of remembrance, a day to pay our respects, a day to reflect on the fact that our friend and brother served humanity to the best of his abilities.”
He urged the nation to cherish Akeredolu’s memory and the indomitable legacy he leaves behind and noted that the “memories we hold dear will be a source of comfort in these difficult times. And may God, in His infinite mercy, repose Rotimi Akeredolu’s soul and bring solace to his loved ones”
He’s Unforgettable
Also, Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa said his late principal used the instrument of governance to intervene in different sectors of the state, including education, health services, and infrastructural development, among others.
“You are all here to pay your friend, our leader, and our governor last respect because of the relationship that he had with all of you at one time or another. Some of you were his childhood friends of over 60 years; some of you his professional colleagues; some former governors; some of you from the community he hailed from; and some of you from the church.
“You are all here because he stood for something: good governance and the rule of law. He means a lot to different people, and that is why he has been described in different words. He was a courageous leader, a fighter, and a warrior. How can we forget him so soon? It is not possible because he lives on.
“Sometimes we wonder how he decided to leave us so soon. Why can’t God give him more years to still stay with us? A real husband to the wife, a real father to the children, a leader and governor for the state for many years, and loyal friends to all of you. Why did God take him home so soon?
“They say good people don’t live for too long; I think he is one of them. For me, I cannot forget him so soon because we share a lot together. How can I forget those political, physical, and dusty roads that we have travelled together since 2012?”
Aiyedatiwa said, as his political associate, friend, and one-time Director-General of his campaign, Ilaje/Ese-Odo federal constituency, as Deputy Governor nominee, Deputy Governor elected, and Acting Governor whenever he travelled, and as well made him a governor even in death, he will never forget him (Akeredolu).
Living a Fulfilling Life
Earlier, in his funeral sermon, “The Brevity of Life,” the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Dr. Henry Ndukuba, represented by the Anglican Bishop of Ikwerre, Rivers State and Dean of Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Dr Blessing Enyindah described late Akeredolu as a man who contributed his quota to the development of the country.
He emphasized the need to live a good and fulfilling life, saying everyone will finally die and leave a story behind to be told by the people.
According to him: “He made an impact as a lawyer and as a politician. He made an impact in society at large. He received national honour. He will be missed by his widow, children and grandchildren, political class, Owo, Ondo State and Nigeria at large.”
Interment
Following the church service, a private interment ceremony was at the church’s Cemetery in Owo, followed by an expensive reception held at Mydas Hotel and Resort, Ikare road, Owo.
Consolation
Although, lovers and admirers of Akeredolu are heartbroken, but many found solace in the fact that the deceased indeed lived an amazing life.
Besides, the nine-day burial ceremony which culminated in a thanksgiving service at St Andrews Anglican Cathedral in Owo last Sunday raised treasurable memories of Akeredolu’s life among family, friends and even close neighbours and the world as a whole as both contemporary political players and future generation learnt from his person, ideology, courage forthrightness and doggedness.
Particularly, the tributes poured on him since his demise of December 27, 2023 was obvious and convincing testimony to the fact that his life was colourfully signposted with indelible accomplishments in all spheres of life, proving, therefore, that the good of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu lives after him.
