- By Demola Atobaba
Dignitaries across Nigeria, including the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, yesterday converged on Akure, the capital of Ondo State to give honour and respect to the former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, with a unanimous verdict that he was a patriotic Nigerian, who served the masses zealously and sacrificially.
The governors gave the resounding verdict, at a lying- in -state and commendation service held in Akeredolu’s honour at Akure township Stadium, Ondo State Capital, as part of the activities lined up for the funeral of the late Governor.
The venue of the event was filled to the brim, as admirers and political associates as well as top government functionaries, had thronged the main bowl of the stadium to give last respect to the departed hero.
Akeredolu, one of the leaders and serving governor on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, died on December 26, 2023, during a protracted battle with cancer.
At the solemn event, Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, in his tribute, said Akeredolu would be sorely missed for his bravery and dedication to duty, saying his passion and zeal for development, had earned him respect and honour among the masses.
Besides Oyebanji, other governors at the event were: Governors of Kwara State, Abdulrazak Abdurahman, Bayelsa State, Duoye Diri, Deputy Governor of Sokoto State.
Speaking about the deceased’s virtues, Oyebanji stated that his former colleague was steadfast in delivery of democracy dividends to the people as a governor and stood strong as a defender of the people against external aggression when the situation was tough and hard.
Oyebanji said the citizens of Ondo State will never forget Akeredolu’s superlative services to them in his seven years of reign as a governor.
Beyond Ondo State, the Ekiti State Governor added that the entire Southwest Region will continually respect and venerate him even in death over his historic role in the consummation of Amotekun Corps when insecurity was becoming a serious albatross on their neck.
Oyebanji said: “The government of Ekiti State specifically sympathise with Her Excellency and widow of our late leader, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, the children and family of this loving father. We knew how you feel losing a precious, caring and loving father. We understand your pains and we stand by you at this trying time.
“May God grant him eternal rest”.
In his tribute to his former principal, Governor Aiyedatiwa, said Akeredolu made great impact in the lives of Ondo people, describing him as a strong Awoist, who believed in vision and mission that governance should be about the populace and not for self aggrandizement.
Aiyedatiwa added that the people would remember with nostalgic feelings, how his late boss intervened to liberate Ondo State from killings and kidnapping against all odds, saying history would continue to be kind to him.
“We will never forget how he used the power of governance to industrialise, educate, lay solid infrastructural foundation and contributed to human capital development. We will remember his role as someone who defended the vulnerable and protect human rights.
“Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, was a general, who sacrificed personal comfort to ensure good governance in Ondo State. He was a war general, who fought for human rights. We thank him for giving some of us opportunities to serve. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace”.
