By Oluseye Ojo
Eminent Nigerians and groups have paid glowing tributes to Arakinrin Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), the immediate past governor of Ondo State, who has just breathed his last after a .protracted battle with leukemia.
Those who have paid the tributes include Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Chief Reuben Fasoranti; Chairman, Senate Committe on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Senator Sharafadeen Alli; former Special Adviser to the ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu; and All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State.
Makinde, in his tributes, expressed sadness over the death of Akeredolu in a statement made available on Wednesday by his Special Adviser (Media), Sulaimon Olanrewaju, describing the demise of a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) as 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.”
On his part, Fasoranti, on behalf of Afenifere, also expressed shock over the demise of Akeredolu, in a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Mr. Jare Ajayi.
He quoted the elder stateman as describing the late governor as a quintessence gentleman, a thorough professional, a patriot and a very courageous individual.
“Since his youthful days, ever before he became governor, Akeredolu had been an activist who was always fighting on the side of the people. Like another illustrious son of this state, Ondo, late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Akeredolu was known to be pro-people in the way he practiced law and in other areas of his public engagements. Even after he became the first citizen, he never relented in his siding with the people as reflected in his various actions and utterances.”
Fasoranti went further to recall the roles played by the late governor especially on security, adding: “It is on record that he was in the forefront of those agitating for State police to enable states and communities to be in charge of their own security apparatus. The part he played in the establishment of the Security Network in the South West known as Amotekun cannot be underestimated.”
It can also be remembered that Akeredolu, who was conferred with the national honour, Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022, took remarkable steps to checkmate Fulani herders who were terrorizing farmers in Ondo State. Many states took cues from the actions of his administration in this respect.
The statement further declared the late governor as a humanist. “He has a lot of empathy and very humane in his relationship with people. Very many, not a few, people would be grieved by his death.”
Reference was also made to the developmental strides that Ondo State was making before the late governor popularly called ‘Aketi’ was slowed down by illness that eventually claimed his life.
Afenifere leader commiserated with the family of the deceased, Ondo State people and Nigeria as a whole on “the loss of one of the illustrious of this land.”
The statement concluded that although Rotimi Akeredolu was of Yoruba extraction, he was certainly a national figure as demonstrated by his presidency of the Nigerian Bar Association among others.
Senator Alli, representing Oyo South Senatorial District, on his part, expressed deep sadness over the untimely demise of Akeredolu. In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Akeem Abas, and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, he said: “It is with a heavy heart that I extend my sincere condolence to his family, friends, and the great people of Ondo State during this difficult time.”
He described the late Akeredolu as a highly disciplined, respected and accomplished leader, who dedicated his life to the service of his people.
The lawmaker said the late governor’s
contributions to the development and progress of Ondo State could not be overstated. He said that the late Akeredolu was a visionary leader and his commitment to good governance have left an indelible mark on the State.
“Under his administration, Ondo witnessed significant growth in various sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure amongst others.
“His passion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of our Party were truly inspiring. He was a true statesman and a beacon of hope for his people,” he said.
Alli said that the late Akeredolu’s legacy would continue to inspire generations of leaders to work towards a more prosperous and united Nigeria.
“In this moment of profound grief, it is my prayer that the family of the late governor finds solace and strength in the fact that served his people meritoriously.
“May they be comforted by the outpouring of love and support from all who admired and respected him.
“Rest in peace, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. Your impact and legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of the people you served,” he said.
He urged the people to honour his memory by continuing the work and strive to fulfill his vision for a better Ondo State.
Senator Ojudu also has this to say not Akeredolu: “Rest in peace, Aketi. One indisputable fact about you, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, is that your yes was your yes, and your no was your no. No prevarication! You said things as they occurred to you. You were not the regular politician who talks from both sides of the mouth.
“When I approached you for your support to be the governor of my state, you bluntly said: ‘Femi, I can’t support you. You are my friend, and I know you are more than qualified and capable, but I have given my word to another aspirant.’
“That is you, Aketi. In front of judges, to the face of almighty political leaders, at the court of traditional rulers, at campaign rostrums, you were not given to doubletalk. You were a straight-shooter. You did your best for your people. It is left to the living to learn from the nuances of your life and deeds.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC), in Oyo State also described the death of Akeredolu as unfortunate and regrettable in view of his contributions to the society as it concerns humanity, democracy and good governance.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and made available to journalists by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, Oyo APC commiserated with Mrs. Betty Akeredolu as well President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and the good people of Ondo over the transition of Arakunrin Akeredolu who, according to the party, died at a time his services was still needed by his people.
“Arakunrin Akeredolu made a great impact in many ways as he was a dogged fighter, astute legal practitioner and patriotic democrat who would not spare any effort to promote justice and fairness at all times regardless of the risk involved. There is no doubt that he would be sorely missed by all and sundry.
“”Therefore, we pray God to grant him eternal rest and give his family and the good people of the Sunshine State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Your impacts, legacy will remain in our hearts, Senator Alli mourns Akeredolu. “