Former governor of Ondo, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has expressed sadness over the sudden death of his successor in office and friend of many years, governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who died in Germany after a protracted health challenge.
Mimiko, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communications, John Paul Akinduro,
described the death of Akeredolu as a big loss to the people of Ondo state, his community of Owo and the nation at large.
He said “Beyond the rhetorics of politics, Aketi was a patriot who did only what he believed in and was never shy of expressing his personal beliefs no matter how controversial.
“From our days as unionists in the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Aketi was and remained a dogged fighter for causes he believed in and a jolly good personality.
“His departure will no doubt be felt by his wife, children, immediate associates and residents of our dear state”.
The former governor asked the people of the state to support Akeredolu’s family in prayers, saying all must be united at this trying times.
“I enjoin all the people of our dear state to shed all toga of partisanship and sentiments to mourn the departed compatriot and join in praying for strength to the family to bear the loss.
“Aketi has done his bit and left these shores for good. We all must endeavour, for all that life is worth, to do our best to honour his memory and for the good of our dear State and country.
“Olukemi and I join millions of Nigerians to commiserate with his immediate family, the larger Akeredolu Family, the Olowo of Owo, the Ondo State Government and indeed the Ondo State people on the departure of the man we all call Aketi. May he find peace in the blossom of the Lord,” Mimiko said.
Also, the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba (Dr) Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade has expressed deep shock at the demise of the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, whose death occured at the early hours of Wednesday.
The monarch described the death of Akeredolu as a huge colossal loss to the good people of Ondo State and the Country at large.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deji of Akure, Mr Michael Adeyeye, the monarch described Akeredolu as a fearless and resilient fighter for the course of justice and the interest of the Masses.
There is no gainsaying that Governor Akeredolu lived up to his name of Mr Talk and Do who will always pursue his strong conviction into a logical conclusion.
The maintenance of internal security in the South west through the establishment of Amotekun had remained one of the enduring legacies of Late Rotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.
Oba Aladetoyionbo wishes to commiserate with the Government and good people of Ondo State over this irreparable loss. There is no doubt that, the death of Aketi is a huge loss to us in Ondo State and Nigeria at large.
The Monarch equally commiserate the immediate family of the late governor and pray that the Almighty God will grant them the fortitude to bear this huge loss
Indeed, and said ‘Akeredolu has fought a good fight, he came, he saw and he conquered” the monarch said
Oba Aladetoyinbo however, prayed God to grant the departed soul of the late Governor Odunayo Akeredolu an eternal rest.
Meanwhile, a former House of Assembly aspirant in the state, Hon. Olaolu Kevin (KSO) said the state and country have lost a valued leader, describing his death as a national loss.
Kevin in a statement signed by him described Akeredolu’s death as a sad affair and prayed for his soul to rest in peace, saying “In this moment of grief, I want to express my deep condolences to the people of Ondo State and the APC family on the loss of our state Governor Rotimi Akeredolu who died today in Germany having battled with cancer for la long period
“Arakunrin was a courageous and dedicated champion of his state and nation at large, he was a defender of freedom.’
“Throughout his life he fought for the working men and women of Ondo State and served as an inspiration to many living throughout our country.
“I also want to express my condolences to the immediate families of the Governor, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this crucial and difficult time. I pray God grant you the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable and irreparable loss”
“I’ll also encourage the new governor to continue in the agenda of his Principal in delivering the dividend of democracy to the great people of Ondo state as promised during their campaign.
“I pray God will grant him the required wisdom needed at this crucial point and he should be weary of politicians who are after their own interests at this particular period rather than the interest of the masses,” he said.
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