Akeredolu’s Demise and Emerging New Dawn in Ondo

Fidelis David reports that Ondo State is in a sad mood as the news of the death of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Wednesday came like a devastating storm, sending shock waves across the nation.

How are the mighty fallen! The death of a loved one, friend, or acquaintance is a sad occasion. Words can’t entirely describe the pain, emptiness, and feelings of loss after a person dies. Such is the current mood in Ondo, the Sunshine State.

People in the real world always say, when something terrible happens, that the sadness and loss and aching pain of the heart will lessen as time passes, but it seems not to be true in all cases.

The news of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s death sent shock waves to the entire country after it was confirmed that he died in Germany on Wednesday morning at the age of 67.

Aketi, as he was fondly called by friends and admirers, was a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and former Attorney General of Ondo State, and a second-term governor who served as the Chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum before his death.

He was elected Governor of Ondo State on the Platform of the All Progressives Congress in November 2016 and re-elected in 2020 and he was the Attorney General of Ondo State from 1997-1999 and became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1998 as well as, the president of Nigeria Bar Association from 2008 to 2010.

Many people see Akeredolu as not just a political figure but a visionary leader and a beacon of hope.

The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, who confirmed his death in a statement titled: “It Is A Sad Day In Ondo State”, explained that Governor Akeredolu answered the eternal call while receiving medical treatment in Germany and succumbed to complications arising from protracted prostate cancer.

 “With a heavy heart, the Ondo State Government announces the tragic passing of our beloved Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

“Mr. Governor peacefully departed from this world in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 27, 2023. This tragedy has left behind a profound void in our hearts. Governor Akeredolu answered the eternal call while receiving medical treatment in Germany. He succumbed to complications arising from protracted prostate cancer.

“A letter has been sent to President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, to officially inform His Excellency of this devastating news. The Family and the Ondo State Government appreciate Mr. President for his support for Governor Akeredolu during his illness.”

According to Ademola-Olateju, the family and the state government will release further details regarding the funeral arrangements.

“Governor Akeredolu was an extraordinary leader whose unwavering dedication to the state and its people was both commendable and unparalleled. He not only served as the Governor of Ondo State but also emerged as a prominent advocate for the entire Southwest region and the nation. Governor Akeredolu was a courageous leader and an exemplar of integrity. The weight of this loss is truly unbearable.

“However, we find solace in the knowledge that Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu lived a purposeful life, devoted to the service of God Almighty”, the statement added.

Akeredolu’s death brings the number of Nigerian governors who have died in office to three since the return of democracy in 1999. Others are the former Kaduna State Governor, Patrick Yakowa, and ex-Governor Mamman Ali of Yobe State.

His death sent shock waves across the length and breath of the nation obviously because his was a life dedicated to exemplary service to humanity.

No doubt, Akeredolu’s vision and resolve to further promote the development of the land and people of the Sunshine State have been deleted by the merciless hand of death because he provided leadership, not only for the South West zone, but for the entire Southern part of the country, when it became most imperative for courage to speak.

The flood of encomium that has so far greeted the passage of Akeredolu is an obvious and convincing testimony to the fact that his life was colourfully signposted with indelible accomplishments in all spheres of life.

Going down memory lane, throughout year 2022, there were speculations in Ondo about the health of Akeredolu, but nobody knew what to believe until January this year when his wife, Betty Akeredolu, released a viral audio where she accused her husband’s Special Adviser on Public and Inter-Governmental Relations, Ms Bunmi Odumosu, of fortifying her husband with concoctions.

Specifically, Mrs Akeredolu revealed that her husband was indeed battling a serious health challenge, warning Odumosu to stay away from her husband and stop sneaking in with concoctions.

The situation continued until 13th June this year when Akeredolu officially transferred power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, through a notification sent to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Olamide Oladiji, stating that he would be proceeding on a 21-day medical vacation from 7th June to 6th July 2023, but, when the letter expired, he issued another, this time, extending his  leave indefinitely. 

No doubt, if any Nigerian is aware of the infrastructural drive in the sunshine state of Ondo, such must have one time or the other praised Akeredolu for his courage to give quit notice to herdsmen in the state’s forests for their unprecedented, crude and criminal assault, murder, torture, rape and mutilation, even while collecting ransoms from the families of their hapless victims.

Before his death, Governor Akeredolu, was praised for his courage being the most vocal governor in the South against atrocities committed by non-state actors.

Even, the Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government on several occasions tried to place Akeredolu in the eye of the storm for daring to live up to his constitutional mandate by protecting his people but he refused to stop speaking.

Unfortunately, as mortals, any human being can fall ill whether in public office or private life. So, Akeredolu started battling threatening illness.

For the second time in the year, Akeredolu embarked on a three-month medical vacation in Germany and subsequently returned on September 7.

Following his return, Akeredolu stayed in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital and tried to govern his state from there, a move which drew criticism from various quarters.

Afterwards, there was the battle of controversy over Akeredolu’s failure to return to the state or make public appearance, fuelling the suspicion that the state is being governed by proxy and the most dramatic manifestation of the conflict between him and his deputy occurred after he returned from his three-month medical leave as he fired the media aides to his deputy over alleged misconduct.

Subsequently, the feud between Akeredolu and his deputy, escalated into a power struggle, casting shadows over the state’s peace and stability.

As as result of these crises, the state was plunged into a period of unprecedented political turmoil, causing widespread concern and uncertainty among Nigerians and causing a ripple effect throughout the state’s political fabric.

But, thanks to goodness! After the intervention of President Bola Tinubu, two weeks ago, Aiyedatiwa assumed office as acting governor shortly after his return to Akure, the state capital where he was received by a former Secretary to the State Government, Ifedayo Abegunde and his supporters.

Aiyedatiwa Sworn-in as Ondo Governor

 Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the death of Akeredolu, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been sworn-in as governor of Ondo State.

He was sworn-in and administered oath of office around 5pm on Wednesday, at the Cocoa Conference hall of the Governor’s office by the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola.

In his Address, Aiyedatiwa said it was with heavy heart that he accepted the onerous responsibility of taking over the reins of governance and affairs of the State following the unfortunate loss and passing of Akeredolu.

According to him: “The death of our Governor is indeed a devastating shock to us all, as we have all been praying earnestly for his quick recovery and subsequent safe return to Ondo State, having embarked on another medical leave on Wednesday, 13th December, 2023. Indeed, there is no armour against fate, death lays his icy hand on kings.

“The demise of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, is indeed a great loss to me as an individual as our relationship dated back to many years ago, having closely worked with him when his gubernatorial journey started in Year 2012. The loss then did not affect our relationship as we continued to maintain close political and personal relationship which climaxed in Year 2020 when he graciously picked me as his running mate for his Second Term as Governor of Ondo State.

“Governor Akeredolu was a man of courage and conviction who always stood for the truth even at his own detriment. I remember vividly during the time when we had a case in court challenging our Second Term victory. He still pursued the matter of emplacing a strong security network for the people of the Southwest codenamed ‘Amotekun Corps’. 

“The People of Ondo State and the entire people of the Southwest will be eternally grateful for this bold act which has greatly improved the security architecture in the Region and reduced incidents of kidnapping, banditry and other acts of criminalities to the barest minimum especially in Ondo State.

His many legacies in the health sector, infrastructural development, education, industrial development as symbolised in the Ondo-Linyl Industrial Hub, Ore, his innovation in Ondo State Entrepreneurial Development Agency, his Tech Hub, etc will be difficult to surpass”.

He emphasised that the events which culminated in the ceremony was a watershed in the history of Ondo State as it was the first time the state is having a transition in an administration. 

“Today’s event has placed a burden on all of us to pull together and stay together as one, because we have the onerous responsibility to continue to sustain the legacies of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, which was good governance, properly called. Our leader and Governor, during his time embarked upon several landmark projects, many of which have been completed and several ones ongoing. 

“We now have the responsibility to complete them. It is to the credit of Arakunrin Akeredolu, that the State now has a flyover in Ore, while the one in Akure is ongoing. It is necessary for us to acknowledge with pride the wonderful achievements and legacies of Arakunrin Akeredolu. His records of performance are monumental and unprecedented.”

He assured the people state that Ondo state that under his watch, will continue to advance the welfare of the people and will always place the people first in every decision.

Besides, Aiyedatiwa declared a three-day mourning starting from Thursday, adding that all flags should fly at half mast.

Resignation

Perhaps, to avoid humiliation, Akeredolu’s ally, Dare Aragbaye resigned his positions as Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties. Also, the Chief Press Secretary to the late governor, Richard Olatunde, resigned his position.