Torrents of condolences are pouring in to honour former Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu even as his successor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa declared a three-day mourning period.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor in a statement disclosed that the period of mourning, with fasting and prayer, takes effect from Thursday, December 28, to Saturday, December 30, 2023.
He also said that all national flags were to be flown at half-mast in reflection of the mood of the state for seven days.
The governor also announced the suspension of state government ceremonies during the period of mourning.
“Meanwhile, condolence registers have been opened at the Governor’s Office and the Government House in Akure, as well as at the State Liaison Offices in Lagos and Abuja.
Tributes came from former President, Muhammadu Buhari, Ondo State Legislature, professional groups and associates of the former governor.
The Speaker, Ondo state House of Assembly, Chief Olamide Oladiji described Akeredolu as a dogged fighter of his time, a courageous and visionary politician.
Oladiji, in a condolence message on Wednesday in Akure, described late Akeredolu as a leader who devoted his life and times to the service of humanity.
“He demonstrated leadership when occasion demanded. As a fearless and courageous leader, the late governor stood his ground in the defence of his people when threatened by insecurity, culminating in the birth of the Amotekun Security Network.
“Aketi, as fondly called, was a strong advocate of power shift to the south in his life-time,” Oladiji said.
The speaker said Akeredolu touched every sector of the state in his developmental projects such that everyone became a living testimony of his good work.
“The talk and do governor lived by his words even in the face of tyranny.,” he said.
The speaker expressed his condolences to the people of the state, the late governor’s wife, Mrs Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu, members of his political family and indeed members of his immediate family, praying that God would grant everyone the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
