PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has joined other Nigerians in mourning the death of Ondo state Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
In a statement he released via his X handle on Wednesday, December 27, the President lauded the late Akeredolu for his efforts in advancing justice and fairness through various means.
The ICIR reported that the ailing governor died in the early hours of Wednesday after battling with prolonged sickness.
According to the state government, Akeredolu died of complications arising from protracted prostate cancer while receiving medical treatment in Germany.
He was aged 67.
Reacting to his death, Tinubu said the late governor was a strong voice and an advocate of strengthening the nation’s security architecture, particularly in the South-West.
“Rotimi was a man of ideas and action. While he was with us, he taught us the power of action and service. In Ondo State, where he had the honour to serve as the governor over the past six years, he served his people with absolute loyalty, dedication, and forthrightness. His footprints dot the entire landscape of the state through the hundreds of kilometres of roads he built, the many schools he built, and healthcare facilities that he provided.
He also extended his condolences to the people of Ondo state, noting that he had telephoned the deceased’s wife and Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to commiserate with them.
“I hope that his successor, Aiyedatiwa, will hold steadfast to the vision of governance left by this towering political leader,” the President added.
Similarly, several state governors have commiserated with Ondo state and the deceased’s family.
The Ogun state Governor Dapo Abiodun, in his condolence message, described Akeredolu’s death as tragic, noting that the late governor was a visionary leader with an unwavering dedication to his people and social justice.
“Akeredolu made an indelible mark on Nigerian politics. From his tenure as the chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association to his role as the chairman of the South West Governors Forum, he continuously championed the cause of justice and the upliftment of his people.
“Known for his tireless efforts to improve the lives of Ondo citizens, Akeredolu spearheaded major initiatives that brought about positive change. Under his leadership, the state witnessed significant advancements in healthcare, infrastructure, and education. His commitment to sustainable development earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and citizens alike,” he said.
Also, the Kwara state Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described Akeredolu as an exceptional statesman who would be remembered “for his courage, patriotism, and immeasurable contributions to the constitutional and sociopolitical development of Nigeria.”
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, also mourned Akeredolu’s passing.
Condoling the Ondo state and the deceased’s family, he wrote in a statement: “In Aketi, South-West has lost a dogged fighter and courageous leader who worked hard for the peace, prosperity and progress of the region. I have also lost a worthy co-fighter for the South-West cause because we were both at the vanguard of the struggle, which birthed the South-West Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun.
”Aketi’s fervent and unrelenting stance on issues that border on South-West’s regional integration and progress is a lesson for leaders. He will be sorely missed.”
Other leaders who have expressed grief over the passing of the late governor include the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: [email protected]. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M