The remains of the former Governor of Ondo State, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu were on Friday committed to mother’s earth at his hometown of Owo, headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State amidst sorrow by friends, associates and relatives of the former Governor.
Top government functionaries who graced the funeral service held at St Andrew’s Anglican church, Owo before his committal include President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by Vice President Kasim Shetima, Secretary to the Government of the federation, Senator George Akume and Chief Judge of the federation, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Governors who attended the funeral ceremony include Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Babajide Sanwoolu (Lagos) Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Abiodun Oyebamiji (Ekiti), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Godwin Obaseki (Edo) and Sherrif Orohwedor (Delta) among others.
Also at the ceremony were former Governors of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun.
Chieftains of political parties including the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Umar Ganduje, Ondo State chairman of the APC Ade Adetimehin, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State in the last governorship election, Eyitayo Jegede also attended the ceremony.
President Tinubu who addressed the congregation said the late Akeredolu stood for truth, justice and fairness during his life time.
He said the former Governor will be remembered for good governance, bravery and courage, adding that his legacies would continue to speak for him as the earth remains.
He urged all leaders to emulate the legacies of the late Akeredolu by serving with the fear of God and by standing for integrity in all situations.
Governor Aiyedatiwa in his remarks noted that the late Governor left the scene at a time when he his experience, knowledge and wisdom were needed most.
Describing the late Governor as his friend and leader, Aiyedatiwa said he would continue to follow the path of Akeredolu, even as he assured that he would build on the legacies of the former helmsman of the state.
In his sermon, the Anglican Bishop of Ikwerre diocese, Most Rev’d Blessing Enyindah urged President Tinubu to act fast and address the increasing hardship facing Nigerians as time is no longer on his side.
The cleric said “May I on behalf of Nigerians pray and call on the President, Senator Bola Tinubu to do something to reduce the hardship faced by Nigerians.
“We have the hope he would do it because he promised us renewed hope and according to him, it is his turn, so the turn and opportunity have been given to him now. We are waiting and expecting the fulfilment of the renewed hope.
“We plead with him to do it fast because time, that is four or eight years as the case may be, is brief and the time is running,” he added.