On Wednesday, members of the House of Representatives and governors from all political parties expressed their sadness over the death of Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo State.
Akeredolu lost his fight with illness on Wednesday, dying at the age of 67.
The governors and parliamentarians referred to Akeredolu as a “exceptional statesman” who left an enduring legacy in public service in their respective speeches.
Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, praised Akeredolu’s sense of patriotism.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the Progressives Governors’ Forum, the government and people of Ondo State, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), as well as the immediate family of my dear brother and colleague His Excellency Olurotimi Akeredolu SAN,” AbdulRazaq said.
“A frontline lawyer and conscientious politician of progressive bent, His Excellency would be remembered for his courage, patriotism, and immeasurable contributions to the constitutional and sociopolitical development of Nigeria.
“As painful as his exit is to all of us, we take solace in his fine legacies as a gentleman and statesman. We ask God to repose his soul and look after his family.”
‘Monumental Loss’
Additionally, the Northern Governors’ Forum sent its deepest sympathies to the Ondo State government and people regarding the passing of Akeredolu, the Southern Governors’ Forum Chairman until his early Wednesday death.
Inuwa Yahaya, the Governor of Gombe State and Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, expressed sorrow for the passing of “a visionary leader, friend, and senior figure whose attributes of excellence and remarkable brilliance positively influenced the transformation of Ondo State and contributed to the development of the country” on behalf of the 19 northern governors in the region.
“We mourn the loss of our dear brother and friend, Governor Akeredolu. This is indeed a national loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Her Excellency, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the entire immediate family members, the Owo community, and the people of Ondo State over this monumental loss “.
‘Big Blow’
Likewise, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen conveyed his sorrow at Akeredolu’s passing, calling it a devastating loss for the All Progressives Congress (APC) family.
He declared that the governor was a supporter of democracy, the rule of law, and true federalism.
Abbas recounted how one of the most prominent human rights advocates who opposed military rule and helped bring democracy back in 1999 was the late Akeredolu.
Additionally, he mentioned that Akeredolu’s political and legal careers peaked.
The Speaker offered his sympathies to the Ondo State government, the people, and the Akeredolu family.
He prayed to God to grant Akeredolu eternal rest in paradise.
