The Oyo and Katsina State Governors, Engineer Seyi Makinde and Malam Dikko Radda have joined other great Nigerians to express sadness over the death of Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.
Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), ex-president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and ex-Attorney General of Ondo State, died on Wednesday morning after a prolonged health battle at the age of 67.
Makinde, in a statement made available on Wednesday, stated that the death of the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is a sad loss to Yorubaland and Nigeria.
He expressed his heartfelt condolences to his wife, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the entire family, and the Government and people of Ondo State.
Describing Akeredolu, who until his death was the Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, as a dogged and courageous leader, the Oyo State governor said Aketi, as he was fondly called, worked hard with his colleague-governors for the peace, prosperity and progress of South-West states.
“I received with great sadness the news of the death of my brother, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, the governor of Ondo State and chairman, South-West Governors’ Forum.
“I condole with his wife and children as well as the Government and people of Ondo State over this sad loss. In Aketi, South-West has lost a dogged fighter and courageous leader who worked hard for the peace, prosperity and progress of the region.
“I have also lost a worthy co-fighter for the South-West cause because we were both at the vanguard of the struggle, which birthed the South-West Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun.
“Aketi’s fervent and unrelenting stance on issues that border on South-West’s regional integration and progress is a lesson for leaders. He will be sorely missed.
“Rest well, my dear brother and may the good Lord be with everyone you left behind.”
In his condolence message, the Governor of Katsina States, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, lamented over the sudden demise of Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
Radda’s condolences were conveyed through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed.
The statement expressed solidarity with the people of Ondo State and acknowledged that the pain prompted by Akeredolu’s passing transcended political divides.
Radda highlighted Akeredolu’s dedication to public service, both in his legal career and as Governor of Ondo State.
He commended the late governor’s contributions to the development of Ondo State and emphasised that his memory will be remembered with respect and gratitude.
Radda equally extended condolences to the bereaved family and the entire Ondo State community, assuring them of the thoughts and prayers of the people of Katsina State in their time of grief.
