Sanwo-Olu, Oborevwori, Obaseki, others pay tributes as Akeredolu passes at 67

Governors of Lagos, Delta, Edo and Ekiti states, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Sheriff Oborevwori, Godwin Obaseki and Biodun Oyebanji, and others, yesterday, mourned their Ondo colleague, Rotimi Akeredolu, who died at 67 years.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, said Akeredolu would be greatly missed for his positive impacts in South-West and Nigeria as a whole.

He also commiserated with Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Akeredolu’s widow, Betty, the entire family and friends of the deceased.

Sanwo-Olu described the death as a colossal loss to the country, adding that, while alive, the deceased made lots of positive contributions to the growth and development of Ondo State and Nigeria, especially in the judiciary and governance.

Oborevwori, in his own statement issued by Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, in Asaba, condoled with the deceased’s wife, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, family members, government and people of Ondo State on the passing of the renowned senior lawyer.

He noted that the late Akeredolu, who was chairman of Southern Governors’ Forum, was an urbane and cerebral leader of great value, who was progressively committed to the growth and development of Ondo State and Nigeria.

His words: “As a senior lawyer and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akeredolu contributed immensely to the growth and development of the legal profession in the country.”

In another statement issued to reporters in Benin City, Obaseki said: “It is with great grief that I received the news of the passing of my brother governor and dear friend, Arakurin Rotimi Akeredolu, the Governor of Ondo State, who served his people meritoriously and diligently, building a legacy of sacrifice, sustainable development and prosperity.

“He will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s development, for contributing to the emergence of modern Ondo State, and for his unblemished faith in Nigeria’s unity and diversity.

Besides, Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said he was devastated by news of Akeredolu’s passing.

He added that his administration and the entire people of Ekiti identify with the government and people of Ondo State at this critical period.

Oyebanji described Akeredolu as a legal giant, scholar, an administrator par excellence, a consummate and courageous politician, who spoke truth to power till he breathed his last.

He said the late governor 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.

The Ekiti chief executive submitted that Akeredolu’s death has robbed the country of a committed statesman, who was interested in and was irrevocably committed to the development of his state and country.

He described the departed as a man of excellence, class and candour, who was “imbued with uncommon brilliance, which he brought to bear in the day-to-day administration of Ondo State and has been widely acknowledged as a major agent of transformation of the state.”

According to him, Akeredolu advocated for the entrenchment of democracy and good governance to the best of his ability, using the platforms of politics and legal profession.

In his condolence message, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described the passing as tragic.

He termed the late legal luminary a dogged fighter and advocate of equity and fairness.

Also, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State regretted the passing, describing it as a huge loss.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, yesterday, in Osogbo. The governor said the deceased made huge contributions to the legal field and public service.

He described Akeredolu as one of the finest minds in the legal profession in Nigeria.
The governor charged the family, government and Ondo people to sustain his legacies.

Similarly, Governors Dikko Radda and Yahaya Bello of Katsina and Kogi states mourned the senior lawyer.

Radda, in a statement by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Mohammed, appreciated Akeredolu’s contributions to the law profession and development of Ondo State, stating that they would be remembered with respect and gratitude.

Bello, on his part, described Akeredolu as a preeminent and forward-thinking progressive leader.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed, quoted the governor as acknowledging the death as a monumental loss to the entire nation.

He urged the family, friends and colleagues of the late legal luminary to find solace in his exemplary leadership and dedication to service of humanity.

Equally, immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, described the late Akeredolu as a nationalist and statesman, whose death was a great loss to the country.

In a message by the head of his media centre, Ahmad Sajoh, the ex-governor labeled the deceased as a true friend and brother with whom he collaborated over the years, in and out of government, on several national causes, to make life better for the ordinary people.

He recalled many instances when the late Ondo helmsman intervened “fearlessly on critical national issues and consistently stood on the side of equity, fairness, and justice.”

Fayemi added: “As a lawyer, NBA President,  and Governor, he was an unwavering champion of the oppressed and a defender of the common man, He was deeply devoted to the ideals of equity and fairness, which motivated his outspokenness in national affairs.  Although frank and courageous in expressing his views, his opinions were always grounded in the pursuit of truth, justice, good governance and national unity.

“He was an outstanding governor, who implemented wide-ranging infrastructural and socio-economic programmes that have transformed the development of Ondo State. He has undoubtedly left indelible footprints on the sands of time as far as the state is concerned

“His passing grieves me deeply, but I draw consolation from the fact that his was a memorable life in the service of his people. My wife and I convey our heartfelt condolences to his family, people of Ondo State, and indeed all Nigerians on the loss of this great man.”