The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas has also expressed deep condolence over the death of Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
Speaker Abbas described Akeredolu’s death as a big blow to the APC family, noting that the governor was one of the brilliant legal minds in the ruling party.
The Speaker eulogised Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, for his doggedness, brilliance, and patriotism in his lifetime.
In a press statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media to the Speaker, Musa Abdullahi Kirishi said Governor Akeredolu was a champion of the rule of law, democracy and true federalism.
He recalled how the late Akeredolu was one of the leading human rights activists who fought against military rule, leading to the return of democracy in 1999.
The Speaker also noted that Akeredolu reached the peak in both his legal and political careers. While he was a member of the inner Bar as a lawyer, noting that he did not only become a governor but was Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum.
The Speaker extended his condolences to the Akeredolu family, the people, and the government of Ondo State.
Meanwhile, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 General Election, Peter Obi has joined millions of Nigerians to mourn the passing away of Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
Obi said he received, with sadness, 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.
The former governor disclosed that he was opportune to be close to Gov Akeredolu as the then President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, where he invited him as a guest to speak at an NBA event, and since then they have 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,” part of his statement read.
Obi therefore appealed to those in the position of authority to remain firm in their good works as the death of this prominent Nigerian should serve as a constant reminder that the world is vanity.
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has described Akerelodu as brave and independent-minded, who from an illustrious career as a lawyer, rose to become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and then came to serve his people as Governor of Ondo State.
Obaseki described the late governor as a great man in all ramifications, adding that his intellect, hard work and diligence stood him out and was reflected in his attainments and the fervour with which he served the good people of Ondo State.
“His legacy in the legal profession is indelible as he was renowned in his field of expertise while building a reputation of being thorough, incisive and comprehensive. It won him a lot of admirers who came to recognise his genius,” he stated.
He said the late Akerelodu worked for the people of Ondo State and was committed to the State’s advancement not minding its toll on him.
“He was a governor who cared deeply and undertook projects that would cement his name in the sands of time.
He made remarkable progress in developing different sectors of the State’s economy and improved on key indices of government.
When it mattered the most, he was always a voice of reason to provide insight, direction and guidance on issues of national importance, a reflection of his love for our dear country and deep introspection. He, indeed, gave himself for the service of the motherland,” Obaseki eulogized.
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[FULL TEXT] speech delivered by newly sworn-in Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa
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He said the Ondo state Governor will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s development, for contributing to the emergence of modern Ondo State and for his unblemished faith in Nigeria’s unity and diversity.
He prayed for the repose of his soul and expressed sympathy to the family and the entire people of Ondo State.
The Social Democratic Party, SDP, has described the death of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State as a painful and great loss to the South-West.
The South-West Zonal Secretary of the party, Mr Femi Olaniyi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that Nigeria had lost a great leader.
“It is a painful one that the governor died and ended this way after struggling for so long for his life.
“We want to send our condolences to the family and all the people in Ondo state. This is the time for morning not to celebrate anything, especially the politicians.
“We just need to pray for the family the governor left behind. AKETI (Akeredolu) has done well for Ondo state compared to all his predecessors,” Olaniyi said.
Olaniyi, who called on the government to immortalise the late governor, prayed for the repose of his soul.
Speaking on the demise of Alhaji Ghali Na’Abba, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, the SDP chieftain said that the late lawmaker would be remembered for his contributions to the nation.
“He (Na’Abba) has done his quota, he has done well for the nation as a public servant. We sympathise with the family and the nation.
“He was able to stabilise the house, there was unity in the house when he was the speaker. He campaigned against ethnic politics,” Olaniyi said.
He called on all the people in government to rally around the family and console them.
Similarly, Governor Yahaya Bello of kogi state has described Akeredolu as a preeminent and forward-thinking progressive leader. Governor Bello who reflected on his transformative impact as the President of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA in 1998 also noted his commitment and dedication in steering the ship of democracy and good governance during his seven-year tenure as the Governor of Ondo as acknowledged with deep admiration.
Governor Bello says this big loss is not only for the Akeredolu family and Ondo State alone, but a monumental loss for the entire nation.
Recalling Akeredolu’s role as a senior governor-colleague and statesman, Governor Bello emphasized the invaluable wise counsel and kind guidance that significantly contributed to the enhancement of the Governors Forum’s leadership and democratic institutions in Nigeria.
“I received the sad news of the death of my elder brother and senior colleague, His Excellency Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, with a deep sense of grief. Akeredolu was not just a senior governor-colleague but also a statesman whose wisdom and kind guidance have profoundly impacted my leadership, in addition to his invaluable contributions specifically in the Governors Forum and the democratic institution in Nigeria over the years,” Bello stated
Governor Akeredolu was reported to have passed away on Wednesday at the age of 67.
