Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Governors, Others Bid Akeredolu Farewell

By BENJAMIN OMOIKE

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, joined President Bola Tinubu, represented by his Vice, Senator Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and other eminent Nigerians to attend the funeral service of the immediate past Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN).

The funeral service held at the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew, Owo, Ondo State was also attended by the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Charles Soludo (Anambra), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Godwin Obaseki (Edo) and Ademola Adeleke (Osun), among others.

Other dignitaries at the funeral were APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Ondo State Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami, former Governors Segun Mimiko (Ondo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Niyi Adebayo and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Chris Ngige (Anambra), Abdul’aziz Yari (Zamfara) former deputy governors, members of the federal and state cabinets, as well as members of the National and State Assemblies, among others.

The funeral service of the late Akeredolu, who was the Chancellor of the Diocese of Owo (Anglican Communion), was also attended by hundreds of Anglican and other denominational bishops and priests, religious leaders, traditional rulers, judges, lawyers, former and present public office holders, politicians and captains of industry.

The service was also attended by the widow and former First Lady of Ondo State, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and her children, as well as family and friends of the deceased, people of Owo community and Ondo State.

Speaking at the service, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said Akeredolu would be remembered for the sacrifice he made and for leaving an indelible footprint.

“Today is not only a day of mourning; today is a day of remembrance, a day of celebration of life to God and humanity. Today is a day to pay our respects. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu served passionately. He served human beings to the best of his abilities,” he said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa in his address during the funeral service described Akeredolu as a great man, courageous leader and fighter with integrity, who stood for good governance and the rule of law.

Aiyedatiwa appreciated all the dignitaries for attending the funeral service of his former boss, saying Akeredolu lives on in the heart of the people and Ondo people cannot forget him easily.

Governor Sanwo-Olu had earlier mourned the passing of Akeredolu, describing his death as a colossal loss to the country and Ondo State in particular.

Sanwo-Olu in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said Akeredolu would be greatly missed for his positive impacts in Ondo State, South-West and Nigeria as a whole.

He also commiserated with the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Akeredolu’s widow, Dr. Betty Akeredolu, and the entire family and friends of the deceased.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who sympathised with the entire people of Ondo State, especially the indigenes of Owo, on the demise of their illustrious son, said Akeredolu made lots of positive contributions to the growth and development of Ondo State and Nigeria, especially in the judiciary and governance.

He said: “The death of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) is a colossal loss to the country, particularly the people of Ondo State. He made lots of impactful contributions during his lifetime to the growth and development of Nigeria, first as a lawyer and later as a two-term governor.

“Arakunrin Akeredolu was a courageous leader. He served the people of Ondo State passionately during his tenure as governor.

“I pray that God will grant Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu eternal rest and give his immediate family, friends, associates, and the people of Ondo State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Akeredolu, who was the immediate past Governor of Ondo State, passed on at the age of 67 at a hospital in Germany hospital, where he was receiving treatment on December 27, 2023.