Tag: Akeredolu

  • 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.”

  • 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

  • Akeredolu: Netizens react over death of late Ondo governor

    Akeredolu: Netizens react over death of late Ondo governor

    Following the death of Ondo state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, internet users have taken to their social media platforms to express sadness as they pray for the repose of his soul.

    The Nation reported the passing of the Governor in the early hours of Wednesday.

    Recall that late 67-year-old Akeredolu suffered from cancer and had gone to Germany for treatment.

    A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state said arrangements were being concluded to swear in his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    Below are the reactions from internet users:

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

    A user on X, @realKingKuroO, tweeted: “The end of an era, my heart and thoughts go out to his families and the good people of Ondo state, in this moment of mourning. Adieu.”

    Another user, @ComradeBombole1, wrote: “I hope people forgive him all his wrongdoings as a leader… May God forgive him all his shortcomings.”

    @TonexBat23, tweeted, “RIP great voice of the Yorubas race. My condolences to families of those who died of late across the country.”

    Another tweep, @adewale_ibk, wrote, “So sad. May his soul rest in peace. Akeredolu was such a fearless One. Yoruba will miss him greatly.”

    Facebook user, Elvis Ohiwere, wrote: “A great man he was and who never failed to speak to power! I presume there is more to his death than meets the eye however, everyone shall give an account of stewardship someday. Adieu great man and May your soul rest in perfect peace.”

  • Governor Akeredolu’s death a painful loss – Speaker Abbas

    Governor Akeredolu’s death a painful loss – Speaker Abbas

    The speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed grief over the death of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state, describing it as a painful loss.

    Governor Akeredolu was reported to have passed away on Wednesday, December 27, at the age of 67.

    In a statement by the special adviser on media and publicity to the speaker, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, on Wednesday, Abbas said Akeredolu’s death was a big blow to the All Progressives Congress (APC) family.

    Abbas said Akeredolu was one of the brilliant legal minds in the ruling party.

    The Speaker eulogised Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, for his doggedness, brilliance, and patriotism in his lifetime.

    He said Governor Akeredolu was a champion of the rule of law, democracy and true federalism.

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

    Speaker Abbas recalled how the late Akeredolu was one of the leading human rights activists who fought against military rule, leading to the return of democracy in 1999.

    He also noted that Akeredolu reached the peak in both his legal and political careers. While he was a member of the inner Bar as a lawyer, Speaker Abbas noted that he not only became a governor but was Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum.

    The Speaker extended his condolences to the Akeredolu family, the people, and the government of Ondo State.

    He prayed to God to grant Governor Akeredolu eternal rest in paradise.

    Born on July 21, 1956, Governor Akeredolu hailed from Owo in Ondo State. He studied Law at the Obafemi Awolowo University (then the University of Ife) where he graduated in 1977. He was called to the Bar in 1978.

  • Mark mourns Akeredolu, Na’abba

    Mark mourns Akeredolu, Na’abba

    Former President of the Senate,  Sen. David Mark has expressed shock over the death of Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo Sate and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Ghali Na’abba.

    Mark said this in a statement by his Media Adviser,  Mr Paul Mumeh in Kano on Wednesday.

    He described the death of the two leaders as exit of two political giants,  saying that their demise had created huge vacuum in Nigeria’s political class.

    He specifically noted the exploits of Akeredolu in legal profession before  going  into politics to contribute to the development of his home  state; Ondo and  Nigeria in general.

    He said that the nation had lost a forthright, sincere, and an unrepentant defender of the rule of law and protection  of human rights.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Governor Akeredolu dies 

     ”As a lawyer and President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), he stood for the ordinary man and never compromised his professional standards.

    ”As a governor, he made policies and programmes that had direct positive impact on the people.  Akeredolu was peoples’ governor,” he said.

    Speaking on Na’abba,  Mark said that the former Speaker was in the forefront in the struggle for democracy and helped laid the foundation for the present democratic dispensation.

    He said that Na’abba would be remembered as the speaker who fought for the independent of the legislature in Nigeria.

    ”Na’abba stood to be counted when it mattered,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Akeredolu: NGF chair mourns, describes late Ondo gov as exceptional statesman

    Akeredolu: NGF chair mourns, describes late Ondo gov as exceptional statesman

    The chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has expressed sadness on the death of Ondo state governor, Olurotimi Akeredolu (SAN).

    He described the late governor as an exceptional statesman who made indelible marks in public service.

    He said: “My heartfelt condolences go to the Progressives Governors’ Forum, the government and people of Ondo State, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), as well as the immediate family of my dear brother and colleague His Excellency Olurotimi Akeredolu SAN. 

    Read Also: BREAKING: Governor Akeredolu dies 

    “A frontline lawyer and conscientious politician of 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.”

  • BREAKING: Governor Akeredolu dies 

    BREAKING: Governor Akeredolu dies 

    The Ondo state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is dead.

    The Nation learnt that Akeredolu died in Germany on Wednesday, December 27.

    He was 67 years old.

    It was gathered that State House doctors managed him up to his death because they could not fly him abroad.

    Read Also: Unite to move Ondo forward, Akeredolu’s wife charges lawmakers

    One of the commissioners in Ondo state who pleaded anonymity confirmed Akeredolu’s death to The Nation.

    A reliable source said: “Akeredolu is dead; he died in Germany.

    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.

    Details shortly…

     

  • Unite to move Ondo forward, Akeredolu’s wife charges lawmakers

    Unite to move Ondo forward, Akeredolu’s wife charges lawmakers

    Wife of Ondo state governor, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has called on the members of Ondo state House of Assembly to unite and work in the interest of the state.

    The governor’s wife made the call during an interactive session with the 26 members of the 10th Ondo State House of Assembly at the Presidential Lodge of the Government House, Akure, Ondo State Capital.

    She said: “I want you all to cooperate and operate as brothers and sisters. It is a good thing that necessary constitutional provisions are operative as we now have an Acting Governor in place. 

    “The hitches of the last few months notwithstanding, I am here to encourage you to do your best to ensure that the state moves forward.

    “As a very vital arm of the government, I 

    have invited you for a ‘meet and greet’, to interact with you and encourage after a fairly long interval. It’s a time that we all would agree has been turbulent. 

    “My concern, however, is that we should United and be ready to move forward. It is important that you keep doing your best in the interest of the state so that this administration can end on a good note.”

    In his reaction on behalf of the 10th Assembly, Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, thanked the Governor’s Wife for reaching out to the honourable members and for nudging them to unite and corporate with one another in the interest of the state.

    Read Also: Medical leave: Ondo Assembly confirms receipt of letter from Akeredolu

    He said: “We are happy to have this interaction with you. It is the first meeting we are having with you after a major political turmoil but it is encouraging to have heard from you that we should unite and corporate to move the state forward. 

    “We believe, as you have noted, that the governor will be back in no time.

    “While we assure you that we will do just as you have implored us to do, we commend your strength in a time like this and applaud your various positive contributions to governance in the state.”

  • Akeredolu’s wife clarifies distribution of N25m to 250 elderly citizens in Ondo

    Akeredolu’s wife clarifies distribution of N25m to 250 elderly citizens in Ondo

    The wife of the governor of Ondo state, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has provided clarification regarding the misinterpreted information about the disbursement of N25 million as financial aid for 250 senior citizens residing in the state.

    The support, which is under the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) is expected to be implemented across all the states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).

    Read Also: Medical leave: Ondo Assembly confirms receipt of letter from Akeredolu

    At the launch of the maiden edition of RHIESS in the state, beneficiaries were drawn across the 18 local government areas of the state and were presented with the sum of N100,000 each.

    Anyanwu-Akeredolu who commended the First Lady for what she described as a commendable act of compassion for the aged, frowned at mischievous elements for misrepresenting her.

    She said: “As opposed to what obtains in other states of the federation where the governor’s wife represented the president’s wife to disburse the fund, neither Mrs Akeredolu nor her office was involved in the receipt and disbursal of the money meant for Ondo state”.