Political figures, including governors and members of the House of Representatives from various parties, expressed deep sorrow on Wednesday over the death of Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Akeredolu, aged 67, succumbed to a prolonged battle with cancer.
In individual statements, the governors and lawmakers lauded Akeredolu as an “exceptional statesman” who left an enduring legacy in public service.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, paid tribute to Akeredolu’s patriotic spirit.
“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,” AbdulRazaq said.
“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.”
‘Monumental Loss’
Also, the Northern Governors’ Forum conveyed heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Ondo State over the demise of Akeredolu, who was the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum till his passing early Wednesday.
The Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, on behalf of the 19 northern governors in the region, mourned the loss of “a senior figure, friend, resilient advocate, and a visionary leader whose attributes of excellence and remarkable brilliance positively influenced the transformation of Ondo State and contributed to the development of the country”.
“We mourn the loss of our dear brother and friend, Governor Akeredolu. This is indeed a national loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Her Excellency, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the entire immediate family members, the Owo community, and the people of Ondo State over this monumental loss “.
‘Big Blow’
Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, expressed grief over the death of Akeredolu, saying it is a big blow to the All Progressives Congress (APC) family.
He said the governor was a champion of the rule of law, democracy and true federalism.
Abbas recalled how the late Akeredolu was one of the leading human rights activists who fought against military rule, leading to the return of democracy in 1999.
He also noted that Akeredolu reached the peak in both his legal and political careers.
The Speaker extended his condolences to the Akeredolu family, the people, and the Government of Ondo State.
He prayed to God to grant Akeredolu eternal rest in paradise.
Ada Peter
