In response to Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s passing on Wednesday at the age of 67, President Bola Tinubu has responded.
The deceased was called by President Tinubu as his “beloved brother, confidant, and political soulmate” in a statement that he personally signed.
“Rotimi was a man who moved our nation towards equity, fairness and justice in his strident advocacy against every form of injustice in our country through the instrumentality of the law as a senior advocate, attorney-general of his beloved state, as President of the Nigerian Bar Association and Governor of Ondo State,” the statement reads.
“It is an impossible task to fully capture in words Rotimi’s towering figure and his human essence.”
He went on, “During a trying period in our history as roving agents of evil extended their tentacles throughout our nation, Rotimi was a resounding voice in the wilderness urging us to reconsider our security architecture in order to have a more secure country. His tireless advocacy resulted in the establishment of the South West’s local police force.
Rotimi was an idea-and action-oriented man. He imparted to us the value of action and service while he was among us. He had the privilege of leading Ondo State for the previous six years as governor, and during that time he served his constituents with unwavering loyalty, commitment, and candor. His hundreds of kilometers of constructed roads leave his imprints on the many schools he built, and healthcare facilities that he provided.” throughout the state.
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The president recalled the incident in which gunmen entered the state and murdered forty members of the Catholic Church of Owo. He said that Rotimi’s leadership qualities shone brightly throughout the world as a true statesman and a compassionate leader.
“He was a mourner-in-chief who led his people through a painful period,” the statement continued.
He said, “I am grieving with you,” to the people of Ondo State, and vowed to “honor Rotimi’s memory and make sure his legacy of service is never forgotten.”
He went on to say that there would never be another governor like the late one.
“I have called Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his wife Betty in my sorrow and sadness, expressing my sympathies and pleading with them to find solace in this national tragedy.
He declared, “Governor Akeredolu was a brother and a soulmate, not just a friend and associate.”
He said that Akeredolu’s passing is a setback for both the progressive family and the ruling All Progressives.
He expressed the hope that Aiyedatiwa, the governor’s successor, would uphold the principles of governance left by the “towering political leader.”
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