Governors, federal lawmakers and ministers were among those who paid glowing tributes to the former governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Akeredolu passed on yesterday. He was 67.
Opening the floodgates of tributes, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) lamented the death of Akeredolu, describing him as “a true democrat and believer in justice.”
They added that the deceased would be remembered for his courage, patriotism, and immeasurable contributions to the constitutional and socio-political development of Nigeria.
The governors’ tributes were contained in a statement by their Chairman, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Many of the NGF members later issued individual statements in which they also paid tributes to the deceased.
Such governors are: Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); Seyi Makinde (Oyo); Ademola Adeleke (Osun); Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti); Hope Uzodimma (Imo); Yahaya Bello (Kogi); Godwin Obaseki (Edo); Charles Soludo (Anambra); Hyacinth Alia (Benue); Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Umaru Bago (Niger).
In a statement on behalf of his colleagues, AbdulRazaq said the late Ondo State governor made indelible marks in public service.
He condoled with “the government and people of Ondo State, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), as well as the immediate family” of the deceased.
The NGF chair said: “A frontline lawyer and conscientious politician of a progressive bent, His Excellency would be remembered for his courage, patriotism, and immeasurable contributions to the constitutional and sociopolitical development of Nigeria.
“As painful as his exit is to all of us, we take solace in his fine legacies as a gentleman and statesman. “We ask God to repose his soul and look after his family.”
Also, Northern governors described Akeredolu as “a leader that championed the transformation of Ondo and contributed to the development of Nigeria.”
“We mourn the loss of a senior figure, friend, resilient advocate, and visionary leader whose attributes of excellence and remarkable brilliance positively influenced the transformation of Ondo State and contributed to the development of the country.
“We mourn the loss of our dear brother and friend, Gov. Akeredolu. This is indeed a national loss,” a statement by the Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF) read in part.
In the statement by the forum’s Chairman, Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe State), the governors” sympathised with the late governor’s wife, Betty Akeredolu, the entire family members and the Owo community over the loss.”
In his reaction, Oyebanji said that Akeredolu’s passing was a monumental loss to the Yoruba nation and the country at large.
He added that Akeredolu’s death was a painful loss to the Southwest Governors’ Forum and the Southern Governors’ Forum both of which he chaired and used as platforms to enrich governance and the standard of living of citizens.
Uzodimma, who doubles as the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF) Chairman, lamented that the death of the former NBA President has left a void that transcends 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 helped to shape matters of national interest.
Abiodun described Akeredolu as a dogged fighter throughout his lifetime.
He said: “Akeredolu made an indelible mark on Nigerian politics. From his tenure as the chairman of the NBA to his role as the chairman of the Southwest Governors Forum, he continuously championed the cause of justice and the upliftment of his people.”
Makinde, who expressed sadness over the death, said: “I have 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 Southwest’s regional integration and progress is a lesson for leaders. He will be sorely missed.”
Adeleke advised the people of Ondo State to keep Akeredolu’s memory alive by sustaining his legacy of good deeds and impacts.
The Osun helmsman said: “In this moment of grief and pain, I offer my deepest sympathy to everyone touched by Arakunrin Akeredolu’s demise and pray to God to grant him eternal rest while hoping for his immediate family, the government and the people of Ondo State that he left behind find comfort in the life full of accomplishments that he lived.”
Soludo described the deceased as a “fearless advocate,” who left behind, a legacy of remarkable achievements in Ondo State.
Oborevwori of Delta State, who expressed sadness, said: “Chief Akeredolu paid his dues and had a fulfilling legal career that culminated in his emergence as President of the NBA and later as governor of Ondo State.
“It is my firm belief that the achievements of the late Governor in the legal profession and in the governance of Ondo State will continue to inspire many to take to the legal profession and contribute to nation-building.”
Governor Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu also mourned the passing of “brave and independent-minded Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu.”
Obaseki said: “Akeredolu was a great man in all ramifications. As governor Akeredolu worked for the people of Ondo State and was committed to the state’s advancement, not minding its toll on him.
“He was a governor who cared deeply and undertook projects that would cement his name in the sands of time. He made remarkable progress in developing different sectors of the state’s economy, and improved on key indices of government.”
Shaibu said he was “convinced that history will be kind to him (Akeredolu).”
Governor Bago, who said the death of Akeredolu was unexpected, said he was saddened by it.
The Niger governor described the deceased as a force to reckon with, especially with the strong will he demonstrated in providing purposeful leadership to the people of Ondo State even on his sick bed.
Bago’s counterpart in Benue State, Alia, also expressed sadness over the development.
He urged the people of Ondo State 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 dedicated family man.
Jimoh Ibrahim mourns
Ondo South Senator, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, said he was “sad and devastated” by Akeredolu’s death.
He lamented that Ondo State lost “an illustrious son, a fearless advocate of unity, equity and fairness, and a faithful servant of the people.”
Noting that Akeredolu’s legacy projects dot Ondo’s landscape, the business mogul advised that the greatest honour that could be accorded him was to build on the foundation he (Akeredolu) laid.
“He was truly accomplished; as a lawyer, he distinguished himself; as a politician, he was loved and admired,” the federal lawmaker added.
Senator Ibrahim commiserated with the Akeredolu family and the people of the state. He prayed to God to grant Akeredolu’s soul eternal rest.
An Iroko gone, say Akpabio, Bamidele
Senate President Godwill Akpabio described the late Akeredolu as “a nationalist and the Iroko of the Sunshine State.”
He said the former governor defended the state with all his strength.
Eulogising the late governor, Akpabio said Akeredolu spent his active life fighting for justice, fairness and equity.
“As a nationalist, Akeredolu believed in true federalism, which he pursued with passion and vigour. I am sad that we have to lose Chief Rotimi Akeredolu this early in life. He was a leader that placed the interest of his people above every other consideration.
He was a man of integrity and strong conviction with a strict work ethos and never paid lip service to the welfare of the people of the state.”
Also, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele was an advocate of true federalism and rule of law who stood against oppression and injustice.
SDP: demise painful
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) described Akeredolu’s demise as a painful and great loss to the Southwest.
Its Southwest Zonal Secretary, Mr. Femi Olaniyi, said Nigeria has lost a great leader.
Olaniyi said: “It is a painful one that the governor (Akeredolu) 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 and 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,” Olaniyi said.
Death shocking, say Atiku, PDP
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed shock and sadness over the passing of Akeredolu.
In a statement he personally signed, Atiku described the late Akeredolu as a quintessential gentleman, who took the finesse to governance.
He described Akeredolu as a politician of class who never played destructive politics.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the death a national lost.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba described Akeredolu as a courageous and amiable personality as well as a brilliant lawyer.
He also described him as an outstanding administrator with deep understanding and capacity for leadership especially in his roles towards the unity, stability and development of the nation.
The party said: “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, defense and protection of ethnic nationalities which he advocated as prerequisite for peace and development in our nation.”
Tunji-Ojo: it’s a collosal loss’
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo described the death of Akeredolu as a colossal loss to the state and the country.
Tunji Ojo said: “Today (yesterday), we bid farewell to an extraordinary individual, a beacon of courage, admired for his unwavering patriotism and selflessness.
“He traversed this earth as a true exemplar of astute leadership, embodying the essence of a genuine leader. This is indeed a colossal loss to Ondo State and the nation at large.
“I mourn the loss of a voice of conscience, a man who stood steadfastly in defence of his people and nation, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.
“While his departure brings immense sorrow, we find comfort in the indelible legacies he has left behind as a noble gentleman and a dedicated statesman. May God grant him eternal peace and provide solace to his family during this difficult time.”
Ondo has lost a gem, says Alake
Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake said Ondo State lost a gem in the demise of Akeredolu and a quintessential progressive, who was always at the forefront of defending his people and fighting for the emancipation of the downtrodden.
Alake described the late governor as an irrepressible fighter and courageous defender of the people.
The minister said: “I am deeply shocked by the loss of a brother and friend and indeed one of the leaders of the progressive movement.
“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.”
Ooni: his death, a personal loss to Yoruba race
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has expressed his condolences over the death of former Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
Ooni described the death as personal loss to Yoruba race because the governor was courageous and honest.
Oba Ogunwusi recounted how Akeredolu championed the establishment of Amotekun to tackle security challenges facing the Southwest states.
A statement personally signed by the monarch read: “The death of Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Oduayo Akeredolu, SAN is a huge loss to the country and a personal loss to the Yoruba race.
“The deceased was an epitome of honesty and courage who lived a life worthy of emulation. The Oduduwa race have just lost a pillar of honesty and courage, a man who served humanity with his expertise as a law luminary, experienced politician and a true descendant of Oduduwa.”
“When we were challenged at the grassroots by invaders who masqueraded as herdsmen, Aketi worked with stakeholders across southwest and the national level to deliver our mandate of security and prosperity. This birthed Amotekun and other initiatives through which our people are safer and more confident to embark on their lawful businesses daily.
He continued: “Akeredolu was a honest, bold and courageous leader whose legacy will never be forgotten. If Akeredolu tells you anything, that is the way it is.
“His death is a personal loss to me because we were very close right from our days as students of Loyola College, Ibadan till date. In fact, he did a legacy project for the school through which his name will forever be remembered.
“My heartfelt condolence goes to his widow, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and the entire family, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ondo sons and daughters as well as fellow Nigerians,” the Ooni said.
Death a blow to democracy, says Olubadan
Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, has described the death of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, as a blow to democracy and political activism.
Balogun said this in a statement by his Personal Assistant on Media, Mr Oladele Ogunsola, yesterday in Ibadan. He described said the sudden exit of the Ondo State helmsman as a national loss.
“An indefatigable politician and legal icon, the governor, popularly called Aketi was an activist, who used both his law profession and politics to fight for the downtrodden.
“He left his feet on the sands of time both as a lawyer, attaining the highest professional honour available in the field as well as the headship of its association – Nigerian Bar Association.
