Following the demise of the Governor of the former Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, prominent personalities in Nigeria and beyond have expressed their sadness at the loss of the statesman, describing him as a courageous fellow.
President Tinubu mourns Akeredolu
In a personal statement released Wednesday, December 27, 2023, Tinubu described Akeredolu as a “fearless brother, confidant, political soulmate,” and a tireless advocate for justice and security in Nigeria.
He highlighted Akeredolu’s accomplishments as governor, including building roads, schools and healthcare facilities across Ondo State.
NGF mourns Akeredolu
Also, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has expressed deep sadness over the passing of Akeredolu.
In a condolence message, NGF chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described Akeredolu as a “voice of reason” whose counsel brought succour to many.
“Aketi was loved by many, a true believer in justice and fairness – a cause he toed dearly to the very end. Amongst many, he was a voice of reason, one whose counsel resonated well and often brought succour,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the newly sworn-in Ondo State governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has declared three days of mourning in the state (starting today) following the death of his former principal, Akeredolu. He also ordered that all flags fly half-mast.
Former President Buhari mourns Akeredolu
Also, former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the passing of Governor Akerdolu. Buhari said “I have lost a valued friend. I pray that his soul finds eternal peace. My thoughts are with the countless people who are inspired by his leadership in law and politics.
CAN mourns Akeredolu
The Ondo State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Very Revd. Fr. Anselm Ologunwa has described the death of Governor Akeredolu as a colossal loss to the state and Nigeria as a whole.
A statement from the director of information and communications of the association, Daisi Ajayi, said Fr. Ologunwa was shocked at the sudden news of the death of the governor.
Gov. Oyebanji mourns Akeredolu
On his part, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has described Akeredolu’s death as a monumental loss to the Yoruba nation and the country as a whole.
Oyebanji, in a statement yesterday by his special adviser on media, Yinka Oyebode, said he was devastated by the news of his death.
Akeredolu, one of our most courageous presidents -NBA
Abbas, Kalu, mourn Akeredolu
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and the deputy speaker. Benjamin Kalu, have expressed grief over the death of Governor Akeredolu, saying it is a painful loss.
Governor Akeredolu’s Death, National Loss – PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it is saddened by the death of the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu.
The opposition party described the late governor as a courageous and amiable personality, brilliant lawyer and outstanding administrator with deep understanding and capacity for leadership, especially in his roles towards the unity, stability and development of the nation.
Ex APC Chair, Adamu Mourns Akeredolu
A former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu has described the demise of Akeredolu as monumental loss to the country.
In a condolence message to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Adamu said Akeredolu’s demise was unfortunate and sad.
Akeredolu Played Inestimable Roles In Nigeria – Atiku
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said Nigeria will miss the inestimable role governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, played in national development.
In a statement he signed personally, Atiku who said he received the news of the demise with a rude shock and sadness, said Akeredolu was a politician of class because he was never known for destructive politics.
Lawan Mourns Akeredolu
President of the Ninth Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has mourned the demise of Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. Lawan, in a statement he issued yesterday, said the death of Akeredolu has left a void in the political and governance landscape of the nation.
Akeredolu Was An Iroko, A Nationalist – Akpabio
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has expressed shock over the death of Akeredolu, describing him as “a nationalist and the Iroko of the Sunshine state.”
Akpabio in a condolence message issued by his special adviser on Media and publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, said Akeredolu was a leader that knew his onions and was indeed the iroko of Ondo state as he defended the state with all his strength as governor.
Afenifere Says Akeredolu Will Be Missed For His Courageous Standpoint
On its part, the Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation (Afenifere) has said Governor Akeredolu will be greatly missed for his courageous standpoint on issues of the structure of Nigeria.
Afenifere, in a statement issued by its secretary general, Chief Sola Ebiseni, said in all national conversations, Akeredolu aligned with true progressive voices in the advocacy of true federalism insisting on the change of the constitution imposed by the military through which Nigerian federalism is twisted.
Ebiseni said, “As governor of Ondo State Akeredolu observed and attributed growing sectional activism to ‘faulty and twisted federalism’ lamenting that sectional agitation had displaced “national patriotism.”
FG Condoles With Akeredolu
The federal government has commiserated with the family, the government, and the people of Ondo State, the South-West geopolitical zone, and the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), on the passing of Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu.
The minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who stated this in a message yesterday in Abuja said the multitudes whose causes Akeredolu championed tirelessly will never forget him.
My Father Was Courageous, Compassionate- Akeredolu’s Son
The first son of the late governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Jr., on behalf of Akeredolu’s family, yesterday described his late father as a “courageous, and compassionate father and grandfather.”
Akeredolu, in a statement posted on his father’s official Facebook page, said his father died peacefully in his sleep at a Hospital in Germany, where he was undergoing treatment for protracted prostate cancer.
“While we are deeply saddened and devastated by his departure, we find solace in the understanding that as he transitions to eternity, he will be guided by the benevolent hands of the angels of light, with whom he resided during his remarkable and fruitful journey on Earth,” he said, adding that the details regarding the burial arrangements will be announced by the family and the State Government in due course.
Barau Mourns Ondo Gov Akeredolu
Similarly, in a condolence message, the deputy president of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, mourned Akeredolu and prayed God to give all those the late governor left behind the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
