Yinka Olatunbosun
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had joined millions of Nigeria in paying tribute to the late Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu who died yesterday after a protracted battle with cancer.
In a heartfelt message delivered through a press release dated December 27, he described the deceased governor as a “brother, confidant and political soulmate.”
The President recalled how Akeredolu contested for the governorship position of Ondo State in 2012 and lost at the polls but eventually won at the 2016 elections and was sworn-in in February 2017.
He said: “I cannot fairly 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.”
The President recalled the dark moment in Ondo state with Akeredolu as governor when no fewer than 40 worshippers of the Catholic Church of Owo were killed on June 5, 2022. He eulogised his courage and fight against insecurity.
“Rotimi was a strong voice in the 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 in the last six years, he served his people with absolute loyalty, dedication and forthrightness. His footprints dot the entire landscape in the hundreds of kilometres of roads he built, the many schools he built and healthcare facilities that he provided.”
He praised the late politician for his role in the legal battle to reclaim stolen mandates in Ekiti, Ondo, Edo and Osun States describing him as “a gallant lawyer and one of the finest of the legal profession.”
He condoled with the wife of the deceased governor, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and the Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
In the same vein, the governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde expressed his grief in a press release which reads in part: “In Aketi, South-West has lost a dogged fighter and courageous leader who worked hard for the peace, prosperity and progress of the region. 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.
“Aketi’s fervent and unrelenting stance on issues that border on South-West’s regional integration and progress is a lesson for leaders. He will be sorely missed.”
The Governor of Imo state, Hope Uzodimma has also shared a condolence message describing Akeredolu as a distinguished leader and an in-law to the state.
“The passing of H.E. 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,’’ Uzodimma stated in the statement.
Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu in his condolence message recounted many shared moments with the governor as a comrade in nation building.
He remarked: “Akeredolu’s impact as a beacon of hope and progress in Ondo State and Nigeria at large will forever echo. His strides in the realms of judiciary and governance remain a testament to his unwavering dedication to service.
“His courageous leadership during his tenure as Governor of Ondo State illuminated the path toward progress and development. His passion for his people was boundless, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many.”
Godwin Obaseki, the governor of Edo state, added his voice to the condolence messages in a tribute to the late politician.
He said: “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.”
The Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya has also mourned the late Governor describing him as “a visionary leader whose remarkable brilliance positively influenced the transformation of Ondo State and contributed to the development of the country.” He further described his death as a ‘monumental loss.’
