Former governor of Ondo state, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has expressed sadness over the demise of his successor as governor of Ondo state and friend of many years, Arakurin Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, who just transited after a protracted health challenge.
Mimiko, in a statement by John Paul Akinduro, his Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communications, described the death of Akeredolu as a big loss to the people of Ondo state, his community of Owo and the nation at large.
He said “Beyond the rhetorics of politics, Aketi was a patriot who did only what he believed in and was never shy of expressing his personal beliefs no matter how controversial.
“From our days as unionists in the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Aketi was and remained a dogged fighter for causes he believed in and a jolly good personality. His departure will no doubt be felt by his wife, children, immediate associates and residents of our dear state”.
The former governor asked the people of the state to support Akeredolu’s family in prayers, saying all must be united at this trying times.
“I enjoin all the people of our dear state to shed all toga of partisanship and sentiments to mourn the departed compatriot and join in praying for strength to the family to bear the loss.
Aketi has done his bit and left this shores for good. We all must endeavour, for all that life is worth, to do our best to honour his memory and for the good of our dear State and country.
“Olukemi and I join millions of Nigerians to commiserate with his immediate family, the larger Akeredolu Family, the Olowo of Owo, the Ondo State Government and indeed the Ondo State people on the departure of the man we all call Aketi. May he find peace in the bossom of the Lord” Mimiko said.
WE LOST A VISIONARY LEADER, COURAGEOUS, DOGGED FIGHTER- ONDO ASSEMBLY SPEAKER.
The Speaker, Ondo state House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable (Chief) Olamide Oladiji has described the late Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu as a courageous and visionary leader.
Chief Oladiji in a condolence message described Governor Akeredolu as a leader who devoted his life and times to the service of humanity.
“He demonstrated leadership when occasion demanded”
“As a fearless and courageous leader, the late governor stood his ground in the defence of his people when threatened by insecurity, culminating in the birth of the Amotekun Security network.”
“Aketi as fondly called was a strong advocate of power shift to the south in his life-time”
The Speaker noted that Governor Akeredolu as a vísionary leader touched every sector of Ondo state in his developmental projects such that everyone is a living testimony of his good work.
“The talk and do governor lived by his words even in the face of tyranny.”
Mr Speaker expressed his condolences to the people of Ondo state, the late governor’s wife, Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu, members of his political family and indeed members of his immediate family, praying that God would grant everyone the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Signed
Sehinde Fanokun, Ph.D.,
SA Media to the Speaker.
AKEREDOLU’S DEMISE AN IRREPARABLE VOID
The news of your death jolted me and I am yet to recover from the shock. Naturally, your protracted illness should have prepared me for the eventuality, but the desire to continue to enjoy more of your physical presence overrode my rational thinking.
Despite your frailty when I saw you last, your determination and struggle to live strengthened my hope for a possible recovery. But who are we to question God?
Your last words to me were, “Victor, don’t worry I’ll be fine.” I have no doubt in my mind that you are indeed fine now. Away from the pains and stress of illness and now resting in peace as you rightly deserved. Your demise created irreparable void not just because of the office you occupied but also because of who you truly were: A true friend and leader per-excellence.
Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, you were uniquely different in many ways and there can never be another Aketi. Your passion for the development of Ondo State and unity of our dear nation will forever be in our memories. The story of how you put your second term ambition on the line in defence of the Yoruba race will be shared with generations to come.
I served as the Director General of your campaign twice (1st and 2nd terms) because of my belief in your leadership and ability to lift our state up, and you didn’t disappoint. Thank you for your service and dedication to the wellbeing of our people. Your indelible mark in the education, health, governance and infrastructural development in Ondo State are priceless legacies for which we are all grateful. You, indeed, gave your all. Posterity will forever be kind to your memory.
My condolences to your wife, Arabinrin Betty Akeredolu, and children, your siblings and family, your friends and followers, the people of Owo and Ondo State in general. May God grant us all the fortitude to bear the pains of your untimely exit. May your soul rest in peace. You will be sorely missed.
Adieu my brother, friend, leader and Governor.
Signed,
Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan
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