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  • Akeredolu was an Iroko, a nationalist, says Akpabio

    Akeredolu was an Iroko, a nationalist, says Akpabio

    President of the Senate, Senator Godwill Akpabio, has expressed shock over the death of Ondo state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, describing him as “a nationalist and the Iroko of the Sunshine state.”

    Akpabio in a statement issued in Abuja by his special adviser on media and publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, said Akeredolu was a leader who knew his onions and was indeed the Iroko of Ondo state as he defended the state with all his strength as governor.

    The Senate president eulogised the late governor whom he said spent his active life fighting for justice, fairness and equity adding that as a nationalist, “Akeredolu believed in true federalism, which he pursued with passion and vigour”.

    He said: “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.

    Read Also: Governor Akeredolu’s death a painful loss – Speaker Abbas

    “He was a fearless lawyer who spoke truth to power regardless of whose ox was gored. As governor, Chief Akeredolu left his footprints in the sands of history, executing landmark projects and implementing people-oriented policies that earned him a second term in office. A man of style, Chief Akeredolu was obsessed with excellence.

    “I believe the people of Ondo, the South West, and the entire Nigeria, especially the progressives will sorely miss Chief Rotimi Akeredolu because he lived a purposeful and focused life and distinguished himself as a lawyer and one of the best-performing governors in the country.

    “I wish to on behalf of my family and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria extend my sincere condolences to the Acting Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Government and people of Ondo State and particularly his wife, Her Excellency, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and his immediate family. May God give you the fortitude to bear this untimely loss and may He have mercy on him and grant his soul eternal rest.”

  • JUST IN: Fire guts Nollywood actress Bidemi Kosoko’s house

    JUST IN: Fire guts Nollywood actress Bidemi Kosoko’s house

    Popular Nollywood actress, Bidemi Kosoko has lost millions of naira to the inferno that broke out at her residence on Boxing Day, December 26.

    According to her sister and colleague, Shola Kosoko-Abina, she announced the tragic news via an Instagram post on Wednesday, December 27, with videos of the damaged apartment and property.

    She wrote: “We thank God for his faithfulness, love and prospering our lives in the year 2023.

    “It has become a tradition in my family to spend the 26th of December which is Boxing Day at our daddy’s place, where we all exchange and unwrap our gifts. So, this year, we decided to record the activities because it’s always fun merrying together with family.

    “So Bidemi Kosoko, her husband, kids and her domestic staff were all at our daddy’s residence, so her apartment was locked up.

    Read Also: Bidemi Kosoko is Evertop ambassador

    “In the middle of our merriment, we received an alarming call that Bidemi’s apartment was on fire as well as her neighbour’s apartment.

    “In fact, myself, my dad and Bidemi were getting ready to attend another important event before we received the call. And what we got was what happened in the video.”

    Shola said the firefighters arrived and with the help of Bidemi’s friend, Taiwo and her husband they were able to put out the fire. Shola Kosoko added:

    She added: “We were on different video calls watching the scenario, how the firefighter arrived, how her apartment was forced open and how they eventually put off the fire.

    “Thanks to Bidemi’s friend, Taiwo Lawal and her husband who stay in the same estate and rushed there to assist. People in the neighbourhood showed love and support to ensure the fire was put out.

    “We appreciate you all for your show of love and kindness. Such a thing will not happen to anyone again I pray.

    “In all, we are thankful to God for sparing our lives as no one was caught in the fire. We shall witness the year 2024 in peace and joy. Please thank God for us. In all, we give THANKS TO HIM.”

  • BREAKING: Aiyedatiwa to be sworn in as Ondo governor today

    BREAKING: Aiyedatiwa to be sworn in as Ondo governor today

    Following the death of the governor of Ondo state, Rotimi Akeredolu on Wednesday, December 27, there is an indication that the acting governor of the state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa would be sworn in as the substantive governor of the Sunshine State by 4 pm today.

    The Nation had earlier reported that Akeredolu died at 67 years old after battling a prolonged ailment.

    Read Also: 27 things to know about late Ondo governor Akeredolu

    Akeredolu had returned to Nigeria in September following a three-month medical leave in Germany.

    On December 13, he went on another medical leave after being directed by President Bola Tinubu to hand over power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    The medical leave was a follow-up to a previous medical treatment.

  • Akeredolu: Ondo governor’s death personal loss to Yoruba race – Ooni

    Akeredolu: Ondo governor’s death personal loss to Yoruba race – Ooni

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has expressed his condolences over the death of Ondo state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

    Ooni described the death of Akeredolu as a personal loss to the Yoruba race because the governor was courageous and honest.

    Oba Ogunwusi recounted that Akeredolu championed the establishment of Amotekun and tackled 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 has 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.”

    Read Also: Lawan, Mark mourn Akeredolu, Na’Abba

     “When we were challenged at the grassroots by invaders who masqueraded as herdsmen, Aketi worked with stakeholders across the 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 the First Lady, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and the entire family, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Ondo sons and daughters as well as fellow Nigerians.”

  • Makinde mourns Akeredolu, describes late gov’s death as monumental loss

    Makinde mourns Akeredolu, describes late gov’s death as monumental loss

    Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed sadness over the death of Ondo state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

    Makinde, in a statement made available on Wednesday, December 27, stated that the death of the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is a sad loss to Yorubaland and Nigeria.

    He expressed his heartfelt condolences to his wife, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the entire family, and the Government and people of Ondo State.

    Describing Akeredolu, who until his death was the chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum, as a dogged and courageous leader, the Oyo State governor said Aketi, as he was fondly called, worked hard with his colleague-governors for the peace, prosperity and progress of South-West states.

    Read Also: Tinubu mourns ‘fearless brother’ Akeredolu

    He said: “I received with great sadness the news of the death of my brother, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, the governor of Ondo State and chairman of South-West Governors’ Forum.

    “I condole with his wife and children as well as the Government and people of Ondo State over this sad loss. 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.

    “Rest well, my dear brother and May the good Lord be with everyone you left behind.”

  • I’m grateful to you for neglecting your lives to focus on mine in 2023 – Doyin mocks trolls

    I’m grateful to you for neglecting your lives to focus on mine in 2023 – Doyin mocks trolls

    BBNaija reality star, Doyinsola David has taken to her Instagram story to thank her haters for being an uninvited guest in her life.

    Doyin thanked the trolls for maintaining her name in the public eye and acknowledged the unsolicited comments that had surrounded her all year.

    The reality star said that even though their criticism was uninvited, it helped to shape conversations about her and establish her as a significant figure in public discourse.

    Read Also: Actor Doyin Hassan, wife welcome first child 24 years after marriage

    Doyin proposed a toast to more “foolishness” and unsolicited opinions in the next year.

    Doyin wrote: “How can I forget the trolls? Your unsolicited opinions created a lot of talk around the name ‘Doyin David.

    “I’m grateful to you guys for neglecting your lives to focus on mine. Thank you for being a bunch of facts. Cheers to more unsolicited opinions and foolishness in the coming year. It’s all love.”

  • Akeredolu: A great loss to progressive family, says Ganduje

    Akeredolu: A great loss to progressive family, says Ganduje

    The national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje on Wednesday, December 27, said the progressive family has lost a strong pillar in the passage of the governor of Ondo state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    Ganduje, in a statement by his chief press secretary, Edwin Olofu in Abuja, described the death of the former national president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) as a great loss not only to Ondo state but also to the entire country, the legal profession and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Governor Akeredolu, aged 67, passed away after a protracted illness, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of dedication towards the development and betterment of Ondo state.

    The national chairman commended the astute politician, an accomplished lawyer and advocate for progress for his unwavering commitment to steering the affairs of the state and for his tireless efforts to improve the lives of his people.

    He said: “As we reflect on Governor Akeredolu’s remarkable contributions to public service, we remember his unflinching commitment to the principles of democracy, his determination to make a lasting impact on the lives of the people he served, and his undying love for Ondo State and its citizens.

    “Throughout his tenure, Governor Akeredolu exhibited exceptional leadership skills, fostering economic growth, implementing critical infrastructure projects, and championing initiatives that enhanced the standard of living for the people of Ondo State. His dedication to ensuring peace, stability, and unity within the state will forever be remembered.

    Read Also: Lawan, Mark mourn Akeredolu, Na’Abba

    “Governor Akeredolu’s departure leaves a significant void in our political landscape. His absence will be felt by all who had the privilege of working with him, collaborating on projects, or simply experiencing his remarkable leadership firsthand.

    “On behalf of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I extend our deepest condolences to the family, the government, the people of Ondo State, friends, and loved ones of Governor Akeredolu. We share in their grief and offer our heartfelt support during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, may they find solace in knowing that his contributions to Ondo State will be forever cherished.

    “As we come to terms with this loss, let us honour Governor Akeredolu’s memory by remaining committed to the ideals and principles he held dear. Let us continue to work together, building on his firm foundation and striving for the progress and prosperity of Ondo State.

    “Indeed, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s legacy will endure, and his vision for a better Ondo State will never be forgotten.”

  • Tinubu mourns ‘fearless brother’ Akeredolu

    Tinubu mourns ‘fearless brother’ Akeredolu

    President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of the governor of Ondo State, Alakurin Rotimi Akeredolu.

    The late Ondo governor who has been battling leukaemia, died on Wednesday, December 27, at the age of 67.

    In a statement duly signed by the president, he described Akereolu as his brother and soulmate, who moved the 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.

    He wrote: “It is a difficult task to have to pen a tribute and sing a dirge for a departing soul. It is a more difficult job in our African culture when one is compelled to do so for a younger person. Here I am with the difficult job of singing a dirge for Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, my beloved brother, confidant, political soulmate and governor of Ondo State.

    “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, and President of the Nigerian Bar Association and Governor of Ondo State.

    Read Also: Governor Akeredolu’s death a painful loss – Speaker Abbas

    “In a challenging moment of our statehood when marauding agents of darkness spread their tentacles across our country, 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 southwest.

    “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 for the last 6 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 the healthcare facilities that he provided.

    “During the dark hours when marauding agents of darkness visited the state and killed defenseless citizens where 40 worshippers of the Catholic Church of Owo were killed on June 5, 2022, Rotimi’s leadership qualities as a true statesman and compassionate leader radiated brightly to the world. He was a mourner-in-chief who guided his people through an agonising period. Today, I mourn a fighter and fearless defender of truth and the masses.

    “My personal journey with Rotimi started as joint members of the progressive family. We fought many battles together to restore progressive governance in the South West, Edo State and Nigeria as a whole. During this uncertain period, Rotimi was resolute and unflinching. He showed uncommon courage as a member of our legal team in our battles to reclaim our stolen mandates in Ekiti, Ondo, Edo and Osun States. A gallant lawyer and one of the finest in the legal profession. I beckoned on him to contest for the governorship position of Ondo State in 2012.

    “Even though he didn’t make it in first attempt his enthusiasm and determination to serve his people never diminished. He eventually made it to the Alagbaka Government House in his second attempt in the 2016 election, since he was sworn in in February 2017, he had served the people with devotion.

    “Rotimi has played his role well and left us untimely. We will never see his likes again. Let me tell the people of Ondo State that I am grieving with you. We will honour Rotimi’s memory and make sure his legacy of service is never forgotten.

    “In my grief and sadness, I have telephoned his wife, Betty, and Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to commiserate with them and urge them to take heart over this national tragedy.

    “Governor Akeredolu was not just a friend, ally, and associate, he was a brother and soulmate.

    “His death is a blow to our governing APC and the progressive family as we are diminished by it.

    “I hope that his successor Aiyedatiwa will hold steadfast to the vision of governance left by this towering political leader.”

  • FCT minister Wike mourns Ghali Na’Abba

    FCT minister Wike mourns Ghali Na’Abba

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), minister of state, Mariya Mahmoud, has expressed deep sadness over the demise of a distinguished parliamentarian, former speaker, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, who passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, December 27.

    In a statement she signed and made available to journalists, the minister described Rt. Honourable Ghali Na’Abba is a parliamentarian par excellence.

    While condoling his family and the government of Kano State, Mahmoud stressed that his contributions as speaker between 1999 to 2003, left an indelible imprint on the nation’s democracy.

    Read Also: Barau mourns ex-Reps speaker, Ghali Na’Abba

    The statement reads in part: “I express my deepest condolences to his family, the government and the good people of Kano State over this sad incident.

    “Alhaji Na’Abba’s contributions to the development and strengthening of the legislature cannot be overemphasized which, by all means, left an indelible imprint on our democracy.

    “His service as Speaker from July 1999 to June 2003, showcased him as a parliamentarian par excellence.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.

    “We pray Allah (SWT) to shine a light on his grave, grant him Jannatul Firdausi and provide solace to those mourning his departure.”

  • Akeredolu: Deputy Speaker, Kalu mourns Ondo governor

    Akeredolu: Deputy Speaker, Kalu mourns Ondo governor

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has expressed sadness over the death of the governor of Ondo state, Alakurin Rotimi Akeredolu.

    The Ondo governor who has been battling leukaemia died on Wednesday, December 27, in Lagos at the age of 67.

    In a condolence message, Kalu described the governor’s death as a very painful and huge loss to the nation, adding that the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association was an advocate of good governance and true federalism.

    Read Also: Governor Akeredolu’s death a painful loss – Speaker Abbas

    He said Akeredolu was committed and dedicated to the service of the Ondo State people and made his mark in the state.

    The deputy speaker extolled the excellent leadership qualities of Akeredolu, saying that he contributed immensely to nation-building and was a strong pillar in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Commiserating with the government and people of Ondo state over the demise of the