The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has described the late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has a honest, courageous leader, describing his death as monumental loss to Yoruba race and Nigeria as a whole.
Oba Ogunwusi in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Osogbo on Wednesday, said late Governor Akeredolu was an epitome of courage and honesty.
While disclosing that Akeredolu lived a life worthy of emulation, he stressed that the Oduduwa race has a lost a pillar of courage, who stood for the protection of his people at difficult times.
It reads, “The Oduduwa race have just lost a pillar of honesty and courage, a man who served humanity with his expertise as a law luminary, experienced politician and a true descendant of Oduduwa.
“When we were challenged at the grassroots by invaders who masqueraded as herdsmen, Aketi worked with stakeholders across southwest and the national level to deliver our mandate of security and prosperity. This birthed Amotekun and other initiatives through which our people are safer and more confident to embark on their lawful businesses daily.
“He was a honest, bold and courageous leader whose legacy will never be forgotten. If Akeredolu tells you anything, that is the way it is.
“His death is a personal loss to me because we were very close right from our days as students of Loyola College, Ibadan till date. In fact, he did a legacy project for the school through which his name will forever be remembered.
“My heartfelt condolence goes to the First Lady, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and the entire family, Ondo sons and daughters as well as fellow Nigerians.”
Also, Peter Obi, on Wednesday expressed sadness at the deaths of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and the Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba.
Obi said their deaths have shown the nothingness of life, calling on individuals serving in various capacities to remain firm in good works.
In a post on his X handle, the former Anambra State governor prayed God to forgive their sins and grant them eternal rest.
“I have just received the sad news of the death of two prominent political leaders, the governor of Ondo State, Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu, and the Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba.
I was opportune to be close to Gov Akeredolu as the then President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA. He invited me to speak at an NBA event and since then we remained close and always discussed issues about Nigeria. While Na’Abba served as Speaker, we met on several occasions and always discussed the problems of Nigeria.
“For Akerodolu, may God Almighty who called him home grant him eternal rest in His kingdom, and grant his immediate family and the good people of Ondo State, the fortitude to bear his loss.
“For Ghali Na’Abba, may God Almighty forgive his sins and grant him eternal rest and grant his family and the good people of Kano State, the fortitude to bear his loss.
“Their deaths show us, who are still serving, the nothingness of life and why we should remain firm in good works. May God grant all of us, who mourn them, and the entire nation, the fortitude to bear their losses.”
