A socio-cultural group under the auspices of Ikale Heritage Development Association, IHDA, has expressed deep shock over the death of Ex-Governor Olurotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State recently.
Akeredolu, 67, was snatched away by the cold hand of death on December 27, 2023 at a German hospital where he had gone for treatment, after a protracted battle with cancer, leaving the entire state mourning, weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Chairman of the IHDA, Otunba Sola Olatunji in a message to commiserate with the family of the deceased and the government of Ondo State described the late Arakunrin as a Trojan, a warrior who encapsulated the yearning and aspiration of his people. In fact, he was the people’s commander, Olatunji said.
“The late Arakunrin Akeredolu has left an indelible mark in the political landscape of Ondo State,” Olatunji said. “The Senior Advocate of Nigeria came, saw and conquered. Unfortunately death came like a thief in the dark of the night and snatched him away even at a time when we needed him most. But our consolation is that Akeredolu left a remarkable legacy in Ondo State in particular and Nigeria in general.”
Olatunji prayied that God grants the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, stressing that the entire South West has lost a great leader and dogged fighter for justice.
He said: “The West will not forget the late governor in a hurry after fighting like the Trojan over the establishment of Amotekun security outfit in the region even when some Nigerians read political meanings to the laudable move by the South West governors.
“Akeredolu was the voice of the people and he stood his ground that Amotekun had come to stay in the region. He was called names. But the people of the region can go to bed today with their eyes closed as cases of insecurity have gone down drastically. Much thanks to Arakunrin Akeredolu.”
The socio-cultural group also enjoined the Ondo State government, led by Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to give the late governor a befitting state burial and also make conscious effort to immortalize the the rare gem.
Akeredolu was elected governor in 2016 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and reelected for a second term in 2020.
He was a former national president of the Nigerian Bar Association.
“We have lost a good friend in Ondo State,” Olatunji said.