The curtain fell on the governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as he succumbed to the cold hands of death early on Wednesday at the age of 67. He passed away after battling prostate cancer a condition that had kept him unable to move for several months in Germany. A statement issued on Wednesday
The curtain fell on the governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as he succumbed to the cold hands of death early on Wednesday at the age of 67.
He passed away after battling prostate cancer a condition that had kept him unable to move for several months in Germany.
A statement issued on Wednesday issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation Mrs. Bamidele Ademola – Olateju claimed that a letter has been sent to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to officially inform the President of this devastating news.
According to the statement, the state Acting Governor,Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa would be sworn in at 4:00pm.
Arakunrin Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), won his re-election as the state governor in October 2020 and was sworn in for a second term in office in February 2021.
The governor’s second term, which started in January 2023, was plagued with challenges ever since he went on medical leave overseas in June.
After spending three months abroad, the ailing governor was smuggled back into Nigeria in September and rather than resume in Akure, he was moved to Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
On Wednesday, 13 December, Arakunrin Akeredolu proceeded on another medical leave and wrote a letter to the Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly formally transferring power to his deputy, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa who later assumed the responsibilities of the governor in full acting capacity.
Kwara State Governor and chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq expressed sadness on the death of Ondo State Governor Olurotimi Akeredolu (SAN), describing him as an exceptional statesman who made indelible marks in public service.
Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor quoted him as saying: ” My heartfelt condolences go to the Progressives Governors’ Forum, the government and people of Ondo State, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), as well as the immediate family of my dear brother and colleague His Excellency Olurotimi Akeredolu SAN,” the Governor said in a personal statement.
“A frontline lawyer and conscientious politician of progressive bent, His Excellency would be remembered for his courage, patriotism, and immeasurable contributions to the constitutional and sociopolitical development of Nigeria”,he said.
The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State on Wednesday conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Ondo State over the demise of Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) who passed away today after a protracted illness.
Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, on behalf of 19 northern governors, mourned the loss of ” a senior figure, friend, resilient advocate, and a visionary leader whose attributes of excellence and remarkable brilliance positively influenced the transformation of Ondo State and contributed to the development of the country “.
The Northern Governors Forum also acknowledged late Akeredolu’s influential roles in various spheres, and his legacies as a lawyer, former Attorney General, NBA President as well as his leadership roles in regional organizations including serving as chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum and the Southern Governors’ Forum.
“We mourn the loss of our dear brother and friend, Governor Akeredolu. This is indeed a national loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Her Excellency, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the entire immediate family members, the Owo community, and the people of Ondo State over this monumental loss “.
Former Governor of Abia State who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatization, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has described the death of the late Governor of Ondo State, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu as a huge loss to the country.
Senator Kalu said the late politician was bold, courageous, fearless and selfless, adding that he was an accomplished Nigerian, who was well known in the legal profession and political circle.
The former governor noted that the late Akeredolu contributed immensely to nation building through various platforms.
Also on Wednesday, leading opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it was saddened by the news of the death of the Governor of Ondo State.
Hon. Debo Ologunagba,National Publicity Secretary of the party said:” Late Governor Akeredolu was a courageous and amiable personality, brilliant lawyer and outstanding administrator with deep understanding and capacity for leadership especially in his roles towards the unity, stability and development of the nation.
“His death is a huge national loss. He was an unrepentant fighter for Fairness, Equity and Justice in the affairs of the nation. He believed in true federalism, respect, defense and protection of ethnic nationalities which he advocated as prerequisite for peace and development in our nation.
Former Vice President and PDP Presidential candidate in the 25 February Presidential election in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday said:”it was with a rude shock and sadness that I read about the passing of the Governor of Ondo State, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Gali Umar Na’Abba.
“Governor Akeredolu was a quintessential gentleman who took the finesse to governance.A two-term elected governor of the Sunshine State, Akeredolu was a politician of class because he was never known for destructive politics”, he stressed.
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