New Ondo State governor, Honourable Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday, led members of the state executive council, key political appointees and other dignitaries on a condolence visit to the family of the late former governor, Rotimi Akerdolu, at his Ibadan residence.
The delegation was received by widow of the deceased, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, alongside Pastor Kola Akeredolu and other members of the family.
It was the first major official engagement that Aiyedatiwa would perform outside Akure, the Ondo State capital after he was sworn in as governor on Wednesday following the death of Akeredolu in a German hospital.
In an emotion-laden voice, Governor Aiyedatiwa paid glowing tributes to his late boss, describing his death as a great loss, not only to the people of Ondo State, his family, the South-West region, but the country as a whole.
The governor described the deceased as a great man of courage who always pursued his conviction with vigour and bravery.
“The demise of our political leader, father, brother and friend is a great loss, not just to Ondo State, the Akeredolu family, the South-West, but the whole nation because he was one voice that cannot be easily forgotten.
‘He was a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN). He was one who spoke with a very loud voice that even the deaf would hear whenever he spoke.
“He was a great man of courage, a very bold man. When he was with us, he always pursued his conviction with so much courage,” Aiyedatiwa stressed.
According to the governor, Akeredolu ingrained his name in the subconscious of the people of the state through wide ranging projects that have direct impact on the citizens.
Aiyedatiwa, who also described his former boss as a man of faith and incurable giver, noted that the deceased was known to lend his voice to crucial national issues.
“We cannot forget him because the legacies he had laid in Ondo State are all there for us to see. We cannot start to mention them as they range from security to infrastructure, health, education and in other sectors of the economy, which are too numerous to mention.
‘He impacted on the lives of many people while his contributions to the household of God are too numerous to mention. I had represented him as his deputy then in many church functions and I can boldly say that he was a man of faith, an incurable giver.
“He always lent his voice to national issues. He was an activist, but today, he is no more. We have to pay him a deserving respect by coming to the family to condole with them.
“We pray that God will give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and for those of us he left behind the grace to emulate some of the values and sterling qualities that he was known for,” Aiyedatiwa said.
Responding on behalf of others, Pastor Akeredolu thanked the delegation for identifying with the family in the moment of grief.
The governor was accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs Oladunni Odu; the Chief of Staff, Chief Joel Olugbenga Ale; a former minister of state for transport, Prince Ademola Adebunmi and other dignitaries.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Primate Ayodele releases 91-page prophecy for 2024
The leader Of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has released his prophecies for 2024 as it is…
NIMC issues new guidelines for date of birth modification
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued new guidelines for the modification of…
Sen Natasha spreads Christmas cheer with generous palliatives in Kogi Central
In commemoration of Christmas and New Year celebrations, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central), has put smiles on…
Five Nigerian musicians who had the biggest hit songs in 2023
Nigeria’s music industry had a remarkable year, with talented singers and hit songs making…
History will judge me, I gave Nigeria my best as ‘president,’ IBB declares
Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) has said history will judge him as leader of the country for…
Anthony Joshua beats Otto Wallin in five rounds
Anthony Joshua delivered one of his best displays in recent memory with an impressive stoppage of Otto Wallin in…
