.Say death huge loss, sad blow to Yoruba race, nation

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has described the demise of Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, as a huge loss to Yoruba race and Nigeria at large.

Ooni, who stated this in a statement, yesterday, said that the late governor was an epitome of honesty and courage, who lived a life worthy of emulation.

According to him, the Oduduwa race has lost a pillar of honesty and courage; a man who served humanity with his expertise as a legal luminary, experienced politician and true descendant of Oduduwa.

Also, the death of Akeredolu has been described as a big blow to democracy and political activism in the country.

This was the immediate reaction of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan, yesterday.

Oba Balogun, who described the sudden exit of the Ondo State helmsman as a national loss, said that it was thought that he would survive the illness that eventually claimed his life as he fought a long battle, but God knows best.

Olubadan, while commiserating with Tinubu, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the good people of Ondo State, urged them to take solace in the good memories left behind by the departed politician.

He also urged members of the late governors’ family, both immediate and extended, to take heart and thank God for a good life spent by their late icon.
In the same vein, leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Reuben Fasoranti, has expressed shock over the demise of Akeredolu.

A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Jare Ajayi, quoted the elder statesman as describing the late governor as a quintessence gentleman, a thorough professional, a patriot and a very courageous individual.
Former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kayode Ajulo, have paid tribute to the late governor of Ondo State.

In separate condolence messages, Amosun, Adams and Ajulo extolled the virtue of Akeredolu as a true son of Yorubaland and a detribalised Nigerian, who placed value on security.
In Amosun’s message, titled: “Adieu Arakurin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu: Ajanaku sun bi oke,’ the former governor said he received with utmost grief but with submission to the wish of the Almighty God the passage of Akeredolu.
In his message entitled: “Akeredolu’s death a huge loss to Nigeria, Yorubaland,” the Aare Ona Kakanfo said the late Ondo State governor fought a good battle.
Ajulo described Akeredolu as a paragon of boldness and fearlessness.

He said: “In the depths of my grief, I pen these words to honour the profound loss of a brother Silk, Akeredolu. The weight of his departure hit me with a crushing force as I touched down in London from Abuja.
“For over four decades, our lives intertwined in the vibrant city of Ibadan, where I had the privilege of knowing this extraordinary man. He, the son of an Anglican clergy and I, the son of an Anglican bookseller, formed a bond that surpassed societal divisions.

“I, therefore, pay tribute to a leader, who fearlessly spoke his mind, leaving an indelible mark on our lives.”
“Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was a paragon of boldness and fearlessness. His spirit knew no bounds when it came to standing up for what he believed in, consequences be damned. He possessed a rare courage that allowed him to express his thoughts, whether they were received as good or bad. His words resonated with unwavering honesty, a testament to his commitment to truth and justice. In a world often mired in silence and complacency, his unwavering voice served as a beacon of inspiration.

“The impact of Governor Akeredolu’s leadership on Ondo State cannot be overstated. His visionary guidance and unwavering dedication brought about transformative changes in the lives of countless individuals. Education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture—all flourished under his watchful eye. The people of Ondo State witnessed first-hand the tangible progress he initiated, leaving an indelible legacy that will echo through the corridors of time.”