More tributes poured in yesterday for former Ondo State governor, the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who lost a battle with cancer.
He died in Germany on Wednesday. His deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has been sworn in.
Progressive Governors: a great loss
The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) said Nigeria lost one of its finest brains and an unrepentant defender of democracy and the rule of law.
In a statement by its chairman, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, the forum said: “Members of the PGF as well as other governors were looking forward to Akeredolu’s full recovery and resumption of duties, but definitely not his death.
“There is no doubt that we have lost one of the greatest progressives of our time. He always stood on the side of progressive politics. He was a democrat and activist who fought for the masses.”
Osinbajo, wife mourn
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, in a tweet, stated: “Aketi was bold, courageous, forthright, fair-minded, kind and God fearing.
“He firmly believed in our democracy, in justice and the rule of law. He loved the people of Ondo and was passionate about their security and economic advancement.
“We pray that the Almighty God will comfort the family and people of Ondo on this great loss. Amen.”
Fubara: he was a fine gentleman
Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, sais Akeredolu’s death was a big loss.
Describing him as a respecter of the rule of law and a seasoned lawyer, the governor expressed shock over his passage.
In a statement by his Special Assistant, Media, Boniface Onyedi, Fubara said: “Chief Akeredolu was a fine gentleman, with high respect for the rule of law as a seasoned lawyer.
“In this state of mourning and grief, our prayers are with the family, the government and people of Ondo. “
The Rivers governor asked God to comfort his family, the government and the people of Ondo for the painful exit of their governor.
Otti condoles with family, Ondo
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, said the late Akeredolu was a courageous fighter for the rights of the citizens, an astute lawyer, an interventionist in politics, a friend and a man whom he shared special relationship with.
“This is aside the fact that he was my personal lawyer prior to assuming office,” Otti said.
He regretted that Akeredolu, who was serving out his second term in office, did not live long enough but asked the family to be encouraged by the impact he made and the formidable legacy he left behind.
Otti condoled with the widow, Betty, who he described as his sister, praying that God will grant her and the entire family the fortitude to bear the tragic passage of Arakunrin.
Otu: a great loss
Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu said Akeredolu’s death was a great loss as he was “a library of ideas, patriotism and equity”.
He added: “As a governor and an accomplished legal intellectual, he championed equity, fairness and justice not just for the various sub-nationals that make up our great country, but for every Nigerian.”
Adams: he was courageous
The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, described Akeredolu’s death as a huge loss to Nigeria and the region.
In a statement by his media aide, Kehinde Aderemi, he said: “He was a voice that remained louder even as he battled his protracted sickness.
“He gave the necessary support to the Ondo Amotekun, the Southwestern Security Network and he was very well known for taking bold steps on any initiative that could advance the cause of the Southwest region…
“It is sad that we lost such a brilliant and amiable governor at this time.
“I join his immediate family and the good people of Ondo as we mourn the death of our illustrious son.”
Reps: his legacy will endure
Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, described Akeredolu as a courageous leader.
He said: “On behalf of the minority caucus, I extend our deepest condolences.
“Akeredolu was a fearless leader who spoke truth to power. He was also a major advocate for the return of power to the South during the 2023 presidential election in the spirit of equity and fairness.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Betty, his family, the government, the people of Ondo State, and the entire nation during this difficult time.
“Akeredolu’s contributions to Ondo State and the nation will be remembered, and his legacy will endure.”
The Southern Caucus of the House, led by Nicholas Mutu, also expressed its condolences.
It described Akeredolu’s demise as a painful loss.
In a statement by its Secretary, Afam Victor Ogene, the caucus said: “Aketi was a charismatic personality, who contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria’s legal profession and democracy, with passion, grace and fearlessness.
“He loved his people so passionately that it was never in doubt where he stood on matters that concern the Yoruba race, the south and his immediate constituents, the Ondo people.
“Arakunrin was always there in the forefront, to speak for his people, fight for their interests and was an advocate for equity and fairness in the Nigerian system, till the end.
“The nation will miss Aketi. The Southwest has Indeed, lost a warrior, a courageous fighter. And the law profession has lost a voice, an intellect and a giant.
“As a caucus, we pray that the good Lord would grant his family the fortitude to bear the painful exit of this remarkable leader, family man and father. May his soul find eternal peace in the bosom of his creator.”
His death tragic, says Adebule
The Senator representing Lagos West District, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, said Akeredolu was a pillar to the APC.
The former Lagos State Deputy Governor said: “Akeredolu was a great man, brilliant lawyer, forthright politician, patriotic nation builder, courageous compatriot, and dogged freedom fighter who speaks truth to power when required.
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“Our nation cannot forget in a hurry the courageous role he played in the events leading to the establishment of Amotekun in the Southwest.”
Adamu: he lived fruitful life
Immediate-past APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, said Akeredolu lived a fruitful and impactful life.
“He was a lawyer and politician of distinction, rising to become the President of the Nigerian Bar Association and until his demise, the Executive Governor of Ondo State.
“We must all therefore glorify God, for his life was very well lived,” he said.
‘We lost a fearless patriot’
Former Member Representing Ileoluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency of Ondo State, Mayowa Akinfolarin, said: “The demise of Arakunrin Akeredolu is undoubtedly a huge loss to us in Ondo State and Nigeria at large.
“We have truly lost a beacon of forthrightness, fearlessness and courage with the passage of our iconic Aketi. He was a ‘talk and do’ governor, whose words could be taken to the bank.
“In as much as I am very saddened by the untimely death of this political colossus, his great achievements will continue to immortalise him in our collective memories.
“Aketi dared the highest authority and braved all odds; even at the risk of his re-election.”
Akeredolu was hero of democracy, says Adelabu
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, expressed deep sorrow, stressing that Akeredolu’s demise was a profound loss not only to Ondo but also to the broader Yoruba race and Nigeria.
He said Akeredolu was “a distinguished legal practitioner and an active participant in politics who significantly contributed to the establishment and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria”.
Describing Akeredolu as a gallant Yoruba Omoluabi, Adelabu highlighted his pivotal role in both the legal and political realms, ensuring that democracy reaches and benefits ordinary citizens.
Ngige: huge personal loss
Former Governor of Anambra State and two-time Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, described Akeredolu’s demise as a huge personal loss to him and the progressive camp.
Dr. Ngige said Nigeria lost of one of the voices that spoke truth to power.
In a statement by his media office in Abuja, he said Akeredolu transmuted from being his personal lawyer to a family friend.
Ngige said: “Being a medical doctor of 44 years standing, the prognosis of Aketi’s illness was clear to me but being human, and as a friend, I kept hoping and praying that he would overcome and at least, cross over to the septuagenarian club.
“As a strong willed person, he tried not to succumb to the illness, but painfully, death, the thief in the night struck.”
Paying glowing tribute to the deceased, he said Akeredolu was a man of strong character, dependable ally, thoroughbred politician and model statesman.
According to him, Aketi was principled, tough, bold, courageous, fearless and outspoken, as well as unrelenting in his struggle for the entrenchment of true democracy, good governance and the rule of law in Nigeria.
“As governor, he prioritised the safety, not only of his people in Ondo State, but the entire Southwest, playing a frontline role in the establishment of Amotekun security outfit,” Ngige said.
Akeredolu took tough decisions, says Oyetibo
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Tayo Oyetibo, described Akeredolu as a strong-willed man who never baulked at taking tough decisions in the interest of his people.
Oyetibo said: “The demise of Arakunrin Akeredolu…is, undoubtedly, a great loss to the legal profession, Ondo State, and Nigeria, in general.
“As a former Attorney-General of Ondo, he made his mark as the Chief Law Officer of the State.
“As former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, he initiated programmes which sought to promote the interests of the Bar.
“Mr Akeredolu was a strong-willed man who spoke what he meant and meant what he said in every respect.
“At a very critical period when tough decisions needed to be taken in the interest of peace and security of Ondo State, he was not found in the company of timid and timorous souls. Rather, he stood firmly for the promotion of the internal security of the state.
“At a time like this, one must accept the undeniable truism that it is God that giveth life and it is He that taketh it, and when the time for a man to die has come, it is purposeless to resist it. May his soul find rest in the bosom of the Lord.
“As the former acting Governor has taken his oath of office as Governor of the state, I urge him to put behind him the recent political dissents in the state and forge ahead to implement policies that will unite every segment of the state.”
PANDEF mourns
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) expressed pain over Akeredolu.
A statement by its National Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, the organisation recalled the late governor’s commitment to rotating the presidency and tackling insecurity in the Southwest with the creation of Amotekun, the region’s security outfit.
The statement said: “PANDEF and, indeed, the entire Nigerian people will eternally remember his forthright views on issues of constitutional law and national importance, particularly while he held sway as President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
“His critical thoughts on daily affairs and constitutionalism contributed in major ways to consolidating our democracy and peaceful co-existence as a people.
“It is also an ineffaceable fact that under his watch as governor, Ondo State became a centre point of economic and social development.”
Yoruba leaders sad
Yoruba Leaders of Thought (YLF) described Akeredolu’s death as a great loss to the country and the Yoruba people.
In a statement by the National Secretary, Bayo Aina, the group, led by Alhaji Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, said: “Akeredolu worked for the protection of his people as governor. He did not only excel in his vocation as a legal practitioner, he also made a great impact in his public life as a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, NBA President and governor of Ondo State.”
YLF attributed the prevailing peace in the Southwest to Akeredolu’s doggedness and fight against invasion by criminals and enemies of the region through the establishment of Amotekun.
The group said it is to his credit that he spoke against any perceived injustice, adding that he played a great role in the power shift from the North to the South.
Yari salutes ‘fearless advocate for democracy’
Former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, Abdulaziz Yari, described Akeredolu as a fearless advocate for democracy, equity and fairness .
He said in a statement: “The late Akeredolu was widely known for his unrelenting forthrightness, fearless advocacy for democracy, equity and fairness and as a courageous crusader for social justice and human rights.”
Akeredolu’s death, monumental loss, says George
Ex-PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, said Akeredolu’s demise was a monumental loss, and a big lesson that those in position of authority must always strive to defend the interests of Nigerians.
George, who recalled the role played by Akeredolu in the formation of Amotekun, said he stood out when lives and property were threatened by invaders.
George, the Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, was military governor of old Ondo State (Ondo and Ekiti) from 1987 to 1990.
Expressing his condolences, he said: “Akeredolu, who I always referred to as ‘My Aburo’, made a great difference in the lives of his people and the nation through a combination of purposeful leadership and commitment to excellent service delivery.
“It is really unfortunate and sad that we are referring to this legal giant, great scholar, politician and administrator par excellence in past tense.
“In the build up to the 2023 presidential election, he stood out as a bold politician by insisting that power must return to the South after eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
“Akeredolu stood his ground by insisting that the right thing must be done.
“When a first class traditional ruler in Ondo State, Oba Israel Adeusi, was killed and when some blood-thirsty maniacs invaded St Francis Catholic Church, Owo and killed worshippers, Akeredolu showed courage by insisting that those responsible must be brought to justice. He shed tears, spoke and Abuja listened to him.
“When he was indisposed, it was really unfortunate the needless controversy that emerged over the transfer of power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who is now the governor.
“Such was not necessary at all because the 1999 Constitution, as Amended, is very clear on a matter like this. The argument and power play were absolutely unnecessary.
“The lesson in this is that leaders must always think of the collective interest of all. Nobody will leave this world alive. We will all die one day. Any struggle for power that is outside the spirit of the Constitution should not be allowed.
“What are we struggling for? Position, power, money, fame, influence? All these are transient. Nothing lasts forever apart from the power of God.
“The big lesson is that we should fear God, respect fellow human beings and do the right thing for this country to assume its rightful place in the comity of nations.
“Akeredolu’s death has robbed Nigeria of a statesman who was totally committed to the development of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria. He used his legal and political platform to advocate for the entrenchment of democracy and good governance.
“Akeredolu is gone. Everybody will go one day. As a leader, what will Nigerians say about you when you are gone? The lesson of his death is that we must all sacrifice to ensure the greatness of this country.”
