From Seye Olumide (Ibadan) and Adewale Momoh (Akure)
Edema berates Aiyedatiwa for not immortalising ex-gov
Prominent Nigerians, including Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo); the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi; Elepe of Epe, Sagamu, Oba Wale Osiberu; Orangun of Oke Ila, Oba Adedokun Afolayan; Nigeria’s first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Folake Solanke, among other top dignitaries, have poured encomiums on the virtue and glowing legacies of the former governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu.
The dignitaries in their remarks during the 68th post-humous birthday celebrations organised by Friends of Aketi for the late legal luminary and former Chairman, Southern Governors Forum of Nigeria, also said they missed the late former governor for his virtues, values and particularly his humour and boldness.
There was also a public presentation of a book written in honour of the late governor, entitled: “The Essential Aketi.”
Makinde, who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Fola Oyekunle, said the late Akeredolu leadership role in driving other governors in the Southwest birthed the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Operation Amotekun, in the face of heightened insecurity in the region.
Also, in their separate remarks, Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami; as well Oyebanji, represented by Taiwo Olatubosun, also lauded the former NBA President for his various feats and legacies, which they said, remained a huge motivation for the region.
Solanke, who described herself as the professional mother of the late Akeredole, said that her first encounter with Akeredolu didn’t leave any doubt in her as to if he (Akeredolu) would succeed in the profession or not.
She said she kept monitoring the late governor’s career progression until his death.
Other speakers, including President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwunmi Adesina; Head, Olujimi and Akeredolu Chambers, who also doubles as Chairman, Ibadan branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibrahim Lawal, said with Akeredolu, there was no dull moment.
Meanwhile, the New Nigeria People’s Party’s (NNPP) candidate for the forthcoming off-cycle governorship election in Ondo State, Gbenga Edema, has described the late Akeredolu as one to always be remembered for his selflessness in the development and growth of the state, the South West, and the country at large.
Edema, who stated this in a tribute to celebrate the 68th post-humous birthday of the late Akeredolu, eulogised the former governor for championing the cause of the people and the voiceless during his tenure.
He, however, emphasised the values and principles that the former governor stood for.
According to the NNPP governorship candidate, Akeredolu’s indelible footprints transcended the entire South-west and the country due to his fearlessness in giving voice against injustice, as well as his posture and stance that vibrated as beacons of hope for many.
Edema expressed disappointment at the lack of efforts by Aiyedatiwa to honour the memory of his predecessor during the former governor’s posthumous birthday, particularly since he was his direct boss and was occupying the seat he prematurely vacated due to his sudden demise.
The NNPP governorship candidate also lamented the lack of commitment by Aiyedatiwa to immortalise Akeredolu months after his passing, noting that the remarkable strides and developments initiated by the late former governor face the threat of neglect.
He said that Aiyedatiwa had failed to uphold Akeredolu’s ideals, particularly the current administration’s silence on the recent attack on Amotekun Corps operatives by suspected herdsmen.
