Emotions ran high in Owo, Ondo State on Friday 23rd February, 2024, as former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu was laid to rest.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, past and present state governors, and other prominent Nigerians at the funeral ceremony to bid farewell to Akeredolu.
The President, who was represented by the vice president, Senator Kashim Shettima, said Nigeria has lost a man whose legacy will endure, emphasizing that rather than mourn, it’s a day to celebrate Akeredolu’s life and his contributions to humanity.
President Tinubu recalled Akeredolu’s lasting impact on history and said that he will always be revered.
The President described the former governor, Akeredolu, who was his associate as a highly intelligent individual and a dogged fighter.
In his funeral oration at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Imola, Owo, Governor Aiyedatiwa eulogized his former principal and hailed his unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law, which earned him his colleague governors’ respect and solidarity.
Accompanied to the event by his deputy, Chief Olayide Adelami and other top government functionaries, Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed Akeredolu’s multifaceted impact on society, reflecting on the accolades and tributes bestowed upon him from various quarters.
The Governor described the late former governor as a warrior of integrity whose legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him, extending beyond his immediate family to touch the lives of countless others.
Other governors at the event included Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Goodwin Obaseki of Edo, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq of Kwara, Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta.
Also in attendance were Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, former governors Olusẹgun Mimiko, Kayode Fayemi, and Gbenga Daniel, as well as APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and the wife of the late prophet T.B Joshua, Pastor Evelyn Joshua, members of the National and State Assemblies, among other political office holders and body of benchers.
In his sermon titled: “The Brevity of Life”, the Anglican Bishop of Ikwerre and Archbishop of Niger Delta Province, Rev. Blessing Enyindah, emphasized the transient nature of life and the importance of making a meaningful impact while on earth.
Enyindah asked the audience to consider their legacy and the importance of their deeds. Additionally, he exhorted political leaders to keep their campaign promises by working to improve the general public’s quality of life and carrying out their responsibility to lead with morality and compassion.
In his remarks, Bishop Stephen Fagbemi, the bishop of the diocese of Owo, disclosed intentions to establish the Anglican Medical and Diagnostic Center in his honour, a memorial to the late governor, who was the Chancellor of the Anglican Communion in Owo.
