President Bola Tinubu has described late Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, as a person who moved the nation in the direction of fairness, equity and justice in his strident advocacy towards each type of injustice.
Tinubu stated Akeredolu was a towering determine, by means of the instrumentality of the regulation as a senior advocate, lawyer normal of his state, as President of the Nigerian Bar Affiliation, NBA, and Governor of Ondo State.
In a personally signed condolence message, the President said, “It’s a tough activity to must pen a tribute and sing a dirge for a departing soul. It’s a harder job in our African tradition when one is compelled to take action for a youthful particular person. Right here I’m with the tough job of singing a dirge for Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, my beloved brother, confidant, political soulmate and governor of Ondo State.
“I can not pretty seize in phrases Rotimi’s towering determine and his human essence. In a difficult second of our statehood when marauding brokers of darkness unfold their tentacles throughout our nation, Rotimi was a robust voice in wilderness calling us to rethink our safety structure so we will have a safer nation. His unrelenting advocacy led to the beginning of the native police within the South West.
“Rotimi was a person of concepts and motion. Whereas he was with us, he taught us the facility of motion and repair. In Ondo State the place he had the honour to function the Governor within the final 6 years, he served his individuals with absolute loyalty, dedication and forthrightness.
“His footprints dot the complete panorama within the tons of of kilometres of roads he constructed, the numerous college he constructed and healthcare amenities that he offered. In the course of the darkish hours when marauding brokers of darkness visited the state and killed defenceless residents the place 40 worshippers of the Catholic Church of Owo had been killed on June 5, 2022, Rotimi’s management qualities as a real statesman and compassionate chief radiated brightly to the world.
“He was a mourner-in-chief who guided his individuals by means of an agonising interval. At present, I MOURN a fighter and fearless defender of fact and the lots.
“My private journey with Rotimi began as joint members of the progressive household. We fought many battles collectively to revive progressive governance within the South West, Edo State and Nigeria as a complete. Throughout this unsure interval, Rotimi was firm and unflinching.
“He confirmed unusual braveness as member of our authorized group in our battles to reclaim our stolen mandates in Ekiti, Ondo, Edo and Osun States. A gallant lawyer and one of many best of the authorized career. I beckoned on him to contest for the governorship place of Ondo State in 2012.
“Regardless that he didn’t make it in first try his enthusiasm and dedication to serve his individuals by no means diminished. He finally made it to the Alagbaka Authorities Home in his second try within the 2016 election, Since he was sworn-in in February 2017, he had served the individuals with devotion.
“Rotimi has performed his position nicely and left us premature. We’ll by no means see his likes once more. Let me inform the individuals of Ondo State that I’m grieving with you. We’ll honour Rotimi’s reminiscence and ensure his legacy of service is rarely forgotten.
“In my grief and disappointment, I’ve telephoned his spouse, Betty, and Performing Governor Fortunate Aiyedatiwa to commiserate with them and urge them to take coronary heart over this nationwide tragedy.
“Governor Akeredolu was not only a buddy, ally and affiliate, he was a brother and soulmate.
“His demise is a blow to our governing APC and the progressive household as we’re diminished by it.
“I hope that his successor Aiyedatiwa will maintain steadfast to the imaginative and prescient of governance left by this towering political chief.”