The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Wednesday described his predecessor, Late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as a patriotic man who stood for true federalism.
Aiyedatiwa made this known during the lying-in-state of and commendation service for the late governor in Akure the Ondo State capital.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa said the deceased governor was a fighter, an all-time general, who fought and won for justice, liberty, prosperity, rule of law, human rights, good governance and most importantly Character and Courage.
The statement added that the governor remained a strong voice in the SouthWest.
The statement reads, “I remember how this great man laying still here before us now took an uninsured risk in service of a greater goal for his people.
“This was at the heat of the avoidable farmers – herders/kidnapping and other security challenges in our country. I am sure you remember his indomitable interventions when it was tough to speak loud.
“He, without fear took an unusual sacrifice that many considered a suicide mission. He raised his voice high to the roof to speak truth to power.
“He condemned inequality, complacency, divisiveness and double standards. He asked for the supremacy of rule of law. He asked for fairness, love and true nationalism. He faced the troubling issues of the times with the candour of a statesman.
“He not only condemned indolence of thought, he proffered solutions that guaranteed peace. He not only talked, he walked his talk. He advocated for a new thinking, a new action and a new direction.”
Aiyedatiwa said Akeredolu took risks against bigger powers whose might is determinate, finite and final.
Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was born on 21st July 1956.
He died on the 26th of December, 2023 after a protracted illness with prostate cancer.
He was Governor from February 24th 2017 until 26th December, 2023 when he went into a deep sleep and never came back to us.
It would be recalled that the Governor of the State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa had declared Thursday February 22 and February 23 as public holidays to honour the late governor.
Akeredolu will be buried in Friday at his hometown, Owo in Owo Local Government Area of the State.
