‘He was courageous and intelligent’ — Osinbajo, Soludo bid farewell to Akeredolu

In separate statements, Yemi Osinbajo, former vice-president; and Chukwuma Soludo, Anambra governor; condoled with the family of Rotimi Akeredolu, late governor of Ondo state.

Akeredolu died on Wednesday at the age of 67.

The Ondo government said Akeredolu died of “complications from protracted prostate cancer”.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Osinbajo described Akeredolu as a brother and friend of over 40 years.

He said the late governor was very passionate about the wellbeing of the people of Ondo.

“Dolly and I express our sincere condolence to Her Excellency Betty Akeredolu, children, family, friends, associates of HE Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and the government and people of Ondo State on his passing,” Osinbajo said.

“Aketi was bold, courageous, forthright, fair minded, kind and God fearing.

“He firmly believed in our democracy, in Justice and the rule of law.

“He loved the people of Ondo State and was passionate about their security and economic advancement. We pray that the Almighty God will comfort the family and people of Ondo State on this great loss. Amen.”

In a statement by Christian Aburime, his press secretary, Soludo said Akeredolu’s death is a great loss to the people of Ondo state and Nigeria as a whole.

The Anambra governor said he lost a colleague, a trusted friend, and a confidant in Akeredolu whom he described as a man of integrity, humour, and exceptional intellectual depth.

“As a governor, he left behind a legacy of remarkable achievements in Ondo State, improving security, infrastructural development and economic growth,” Soludo said.

“Gov. Akeredolu’s contributions to the Southern Governors Forum remain invaluable. He was a vocal advocate for unity, equity, and justice for all Nigerians, and always leading the charge with courage and conviction.

“His wise counsel, sound judgment and commitment to the ideals of federalism will be sorely missed in the forum.

“The government of Anambra hereby extends its deepest condolences to the Akeredolu family, the Government and people of Ondo State, and the entire Nigerian nation.

“May God grant them the fortitude to bear this painful loss.”

‘CHAMPIONED ESTABLISHMENT OF AMOTEKUN’

The minority caucus in the house of representatives has also eulogised Akeredolu.

Kingsley Chinda, minority leader in the lower legislative chamber, in a statement described Akeredolu as “a fearless fighter”.

He said Akeredolu’s contributions to Ondo state and the nation will be remembered forever.

“On behalf of the minority caucus of the House of Representatives, I extend our deepest condolences on the passing of His Excellency, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, CON SAN, the governor of Ondo State,” the statement reads.

“He was a great leader and a quintessential Bar man. His term in office as Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President was characterised by the campaign by the NBA for the adherence to the rule of law.

“As Governor of Ondo State and Chairman of South-West Governors Forum, he prioritised the welfare and security of his people and championed the call for the establishment of Amotekun, a South-West security outfit created to enhance the security of lives and property in the zone.

“Governor Akeredolu was a courageous and fearless leader who spoke truth to power. He was also a major advocate for the return of power to the south during the 2023 presidential election in the spirit of equity and fairness.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Betty, his family, the government, the people of Ondo State, and the entire nation during this difficult time.

“May his soul rest in peace, Amen.”

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the new governor of Ondo, declared a three-day mourning in the state over the death of Akeredolu.

Aiyedatiwa described Akeredolu’s passing as a “monumental loss” to the people of Ondo state.