GOVERNORS of South West states under the aegis of the South West Governors’ Forum have resolved to set up a committee to collaborate with the Akeredolu family to give the late governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, a befitting burial.
This was disclosed on Friday by the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, during a condolence visit to the home of the Akeredolus in Ibadan, Oyo State, alongside his counterparts from Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji and Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Abiodun described the deceased as a dependable, reliable and consistent person who never hesitated at any point in time to say exactly how he felt on any issue, no matter how controversial.
Prince Abiodun said the late Akeredolu was a fearless and courageous man who advocated and championed the cause of southern presidency and worked towards its success.
He said: “He (Akeredolu) would call a spade a spade. He played a key role in the birth or rebirth of the Southern Governors’ Forum, which he was the chairman of until he passed away.
“The Southern Governors’ Forum led by him took that position (on Southern presidency). He was a leader to all of us who gathered here today. He will be sorely missed.
“We commiserate with you. We humbly request that you consider this as a joint responsibility of all of us. We will want to be a part of whatever plans the family will be implementing towards sending him forth.
“We will like to put a committee together that will have representatives from each of our states to work alongside the Ondo State government and the family in ensuring that we give our leader a befitting burial.”
In an interview later, Governor Abiodun said the visit by the governors was to identify with the Akeredolus in this trying moment.
The governor said: “We are here on behalf of our families, the entire government and people of our various southwestern states to commiserate with the family and people of Ondo State. Our prayer is that Almighty God will forgive all his sins and grant the repose of his soul.
“We also pray that God will grant his wife, children, his family members and the people of Ondo State the heart to bear this very bad, shocking and painful exit.”
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