Adedapo Adesanya
By Adedapo Adesanya
President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the family of the Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, following his demise at 67 years earlier on Wednesday, describing him as a fearless statesman and compassionate leader.
The President, in a personal statement, recalled how they fought “many battles together to restore progressive governance”, especially in the South-West geopolitical zone.
President Tinubu said he telephoned Mr Akeredolu’s wife, Betty, and the Acting Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, “to commiserate with them and urge them to take heart over this national tragedy”.
“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 South West.
“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 over the past six years, he served his people with absolute loyalty, dedication, and forthrightness.
“His footprints dot the entire landscape of the state through the hundreds of kilometres of roads he built, the many schools he built, and healthcare facilities that he provided,” parts of the statement read.
In separate statements, the governors and lawmakers said Mr Akeredolu was an “exceptional statesman”, who made indelible marks in public service.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara State Governor, Mr Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, saluted Mr Akeredolu’s patriotic spirit.
“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,” Mr AbdulRazaq said.
Also, the Northern Governors’ Forum conveyed heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Ondo State over the demise of Mr Akeredolu, who was the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum till his passing early Wednesday.
The Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Mr Inuwa Yahaya, on behalf of the 19 northern governors in the region, mourned the loss of “a senior figure, friend, resilient advocate, and a 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, Governor Akeredolu. This is indeed a national loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Her Excellency, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the entire immediate family members, the Owo community, and the people of Ondo State over this monumental loss “.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Abbas Tajudeen, expressed grief over the death of Mr Akeredolu, saying it is a big blow to the All Progressives Congress (APC) family.
He said the late governor was a champion of the rule of law, democracy, and true federalism.
