WorldStage Newsonline– Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has died after a prolonged battle with Leukaemia.
He was said to have pased on in Germany early on Wednesday at the hospital.
Akeredolu returned to Nigeria in September after three months medical leave in Germany, but stayed in Ibadan, a development that had generated public outrage.
He had earlier this month had written to the state House of Assembly to proceed on medical leave again and transmitted power to his deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to act as governor.
MAKINDE MOURNS
Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has expressed sadness over the death of Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN.
Makinde, in a statement made available on Wednesday, stated that the death of the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is a sad loss to Yorubaland and Nigeria.
He expressed his heartfelt condolences to his wife, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the entire family, and the Government and people of Ondo State.
Describing Akeredolu, who until his death was the chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, as a dogged and courageous leader, the Oyo State governor said Aketi, as he was fondly called, worked hard with his colleague-governors for the peace, prosperity and progress of South-West states.
He said: “I received with great sadness the news of the death of my brother, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, the governor of Ondo State and chairman, South-West Governors’ Forum.
“I condole with his wife and children as well as the Government and people of Ondo State over this sad loss. In Aketi, South-West has lost a dogged fighter and courageous leader who worked hard for the peace, prosperity and progress of the region.
“I have also lost a worthy co-fighter for the South-West cause because we were both at the vanguard of the struggle, which birthed the South-West Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun.
“Aketi’s fervent and unrelenting stance on issues that border on South-West’s regional integration and progress is a lesson for leaders. He will be sorely missed.
“Rest well, my dear brother and may the good Lord be with everyone you left behind.”
ABIODUN MOURNS
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday described the death of his Ondo State counterpart, Rotimi Akeredolu, as tragic.
Akeredolu succumbed to leukaemia in Lagos on Wednesday. He was 67.
In his condolence message to the acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the family of the deceased and Ondo people, Prince Abiodun described Akeredolu, who until his death was the chairman of the South West Governors Forum, as a a dogged fighter throughout his life time.
According to him, Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), stood for equity and fairness in the run up to the 2023 presidential election when he was the chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum.
Prince Abiodun said Akeredolu was a visionary leader with an unwavering dedication to his people and social justice.
Abiodun said: “Akeredolu made an indelible mark on Nigerian politics. From his tenure as the chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association to his role as the chairman of the South West Governors Forum, he continuously championed the cause of justice and the upliftment of his people.
“Known for his tireless efforts to improve the lives of Ondo citizens, Akeredolu spearheaded major initiatives that brought about positive change. Under his leadership, the state witnessed significant advancements in healthcare, infrastructure, and education. His commitment to sustainable development earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and citizens alike.
“As the nation mourns the loss of a formidable leader, Rotimi Akeredolu’s memory will continue to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come. His legacy of compassion, justice, and progress will endure, forever reminding Nigerians of the transformative power of dedicated leadership.
“In this time of immense grief, the people of Ondo State must unite, draw strength from their cherished memories of their late governor and resolve to honour his legacy by building upon the foundations he laid, ensuring that his vision for a better and brighter future for Ondo State lives on.”
ADELEKE MOURNS
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State is deeply troubled by the news of the death of his Ondo state counterpart, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), describing it as a huge national loss.
Governor Akeredolu was reported to have died in a hospital on Wednesday after months of battle with illness.
Governor Adeleke is deeply touched by the demise of Akeredolu, who he said made great contributions to the Nigeria in the legal field and public service.
“Arakunrin Akeredolu was one of the finest minds in the country’s legal profession, and as a colleague in the Governor’s Forum, his wise counsel and constructive contributions is hard to miss. Nigeria lost one of its finest, and I’m hugely shaken,” the Governor was quoted as saying.
The Governor condoles with the Acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the family of the deceased, the Government and the people of Ondo State over this painful loss, urging them to keep his memory alive by sustaining his legacy of good deeds and impacts.
“In this moment of grief and pain, I offer my deepest sympathy to everyone touched by Arakunrin Akeredolu’s demise and pray to God to grant him eternal rest while hoping for his immediate family, the government and people of Ondo State that he left behind finds comfort in the life full of accomplishments that he lived.”
NGF MOURNS
The Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has expressed sadness on the death of Ondo State Gov. Olurotimi Akeredolu (SAN).
AbdulRazaq in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Rafiu Ajakaiye, on Wednesday in Ilorin, described Akeredolu as an exceptional statesman who made indelible marks in public service.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the Progressives Governors’ Forum, the government and people of Ondo State, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), as well as the immediate family of my dear brother and colleague, His Excellency Olurotimi Akeredolu SAN.
“A frontline lawyer and conscientious politician of progressive bent, His Excellency would be remembered for his courage, patriotism, and immeasurable contributions to the constitutional and sociopolitical development of Nigeria.
“As painful as his exit is to all of us, we take solace in his fine legacies as a gentleman and statesman. We ask God to repose his soul and look after his family,” the statement read in part.
OGUN APC MOURNS
The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun State has bemoaned the death of the Governor of Ondo State and former Nigerian Bar Association president, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, describing it as “the end of an era.”
In a press statement issued in Abeokuta on Wednesday and signed by Ogun APC Publicity Secretary, Tunde Oladunjoye, the party described the late Akeredolu as a man of courage, who gave all he had to his state, Ondo, and to the nation.
From his highly successful legal practice which spanned several decades and saw him emerged, not only as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria but also the president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA); through politics, he bestrode the scenes like a colossus and displayed loyalty, tenacity and integrity.
Our party commiserates with the bereaved members of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), families and friends of the departed governor and the people of Ondo State, while praying that God will comfort them and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss of an Icon.
