Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Friday paid glowing tributes to his predecessor, the departed Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN who he described as a courageous leader who spoke truth to power and fought vigorously for good governance underpinned by the rule of law and true justice to all indiscriminately.
He spoke at the maiden edition of the Akeredolu Leadership Lecture Series organised by the state government as part of activities to immortalise the former chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, who passed on last year during an illness.
Akeredolu is widely remembered for his timely interventions to correct the anomalies, particularly the endemic and pervasive injustice characterising the Nigerian political system, and holding the Country and her people down 64 years after gaining independence from colonial Britain.
Notably he fought for the restructuring of the unjust revenue sharing formula, freedom for regions or states to set up security formations in the face of rampaging forces killing people and destroying their properties recklessly across the country. He it was who led his counterparts in the South West to establish the Amotekun Corps, now a great check on crimes in Ondo State in particular.
Reminiscing, Aiyedatiwa noted that Akeredolu’s leadership was marked by integrity, transparency, and a deep understanding of the needs of the people of the state.
Leading the government and people of Ondo State in honouring the legacies of his predecessor, Aiyedatiwa eulogised his predecessor and former principal as a brilliant, shining and an exemplary leader who made a remarkable transformation of the state during his action-packed tenure.
The lecture was themed: ‘Security Sector Reform in Promoting Peace, Stability, and Development: The Ondo State Example.’
Noting that the day was filled with mixed feelings, the Governor, who spoke movingly amid emotion said: “Today, we gather on the threshold of history, with mixed feelings, in commemoration of the first anniversary of the glorious but painful exit of our leader and mentor, the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN.
“On that unforgettable day, 27th December 2023, mountains moved and the earth shook at the loss of the icon and courageous statesman who emptied himself in service to our dear Sunshine State and humanity.
“Arakunrin Akeredolu was that courageous leader who spoke truth to power and fought for the advancement of democracy and the Rule of Law. His leadership was marked by integrity, transparency, and a deep understanding of the needs of our people.
“He fought gallantly alongside his colleague governors in the Southwest to establish the Amotekun Corps, a home-grown security outfit that has become a reference point in Nigeria.”
Aiyedatiwa commended Akeredolu’s impacts on the state’s fortunes through landmark achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development.
His words:“His administration’s achievements remain profound—roads, bridges, health centers, and education reforms that continue to inspire us.
‘Akeredolu’s legacy of progress is evident everywhere, and his passion for the security of lives and property has made Ondo State one of the safest and most peaceful in Nigeria.”
Reiterating his commitment to continue with Akeredolu’s vision of development and good governance, the Governor said: “On my inauguration as constitutional successor, I made a solemn commitment to carry on his mantle of leadership. This is not just a promise; it is a sacred duty.
“We have since mobilised contractors back to sites to complete abandoned projects, commenced new road constructions, and implemented impactful policies such as the N73,000 new minimum wage for workers.
“We have also paid salaries and pensions up to date while providing financial assistance to our students.”
On his administration’s efforts to sustain Akeredolu’s legacy, Aiyedatiwa pointed out the strides made in agriculture, security, and infrastructure.
“The construction of rural and urban roads, investments in agriculture, and prioritization of security through Amotekun are proof of our unwavering commitment.
“We continue to work tirelessly to address the challenges facing our state and build upon the foundation laid by our late governor,” he added.
The Governor also acknowledged the contributions of the event’s chairman, Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa, and the guest speaker, Chief Femi Falana, SAN.
He said: “We were very intentional about the choice of these two great men. Chief Femi Falana was a close ally of the late governor, sharing a strong bond as a friend and colleague.
“Bashorun Arogbofa, an elder statesman, has seen it all and continues to inspire us with his advocacy for a better Ondo State. Their presence enriches this momentous occasion.”
In his address, the key speaker and renowned human rights lawyer Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, extolled Akeredolu’s courage and commitment to justice, recounting how he challenged institutional failings during his lifetime.
He said, “Akeredolu was a very courageous man. Even before judges, he was not afraid to call out wrongdoings. He was instrumental to the development of the people, whether as a student leader or as a governor.
“His boldness in establishing the Amotekun Corps, even when it meant defying the Federal Government, is proof of his determination to protect his people.”
Noting that Akeredolu’s establishment of Amotekun has made Ondo State a reference point in security matters across Nigeria, he said: “Today, all 36 state governors have come together to approve state police, but it was Akeredolu who laid the groundwork by enacting the law that legitimised Amotekun.
“That singular action has made Ondo State the most peaceful state in Nigeria.”
However, Falana, lamented the prevailing insecurity in the country and blamed recent stampede tragedies on the failure of the police, saying “The deaths of 115 Nigerians in the recent incidents in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija are unacceptable. The police failed to protect the people, and I hold them responsible.
“The government must pay compensation to the families who lost their loved ones because of these failures.”
Stressing the need for holistic reforms to tackle insecurity, pointing out that poverty and unemployment are major drivers of crime, he also offered practical suggestions for economic growth in Ondo State, urging the government to harness its agricultural potential.
He called for the reorganization of the state’s education system to prioritize technical and vocational training. On healthcare, he stressed the importance of functional social security systems.
Falana highlighted the importance of preserving Akeredolu’s legacy, saying: “The greatest tribute to Akeredolu is the sustainability of his legacy. He showed us what leadership looks like, and it is now up to us to carry it forward.”
Also in his remarks, Afenifere chieftain and chairman of the occasion who is also a notable author, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, praised Aiyedatiwa for sustaining the Amotekun initiative and called for continued efforts to deepen Akeredolu’s vision.
He commendedd Akeredolu for his boldness in prioritizing the security and development of Ondo State.
