A former Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has described his departed successor and friend for many years, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, as a patriot who did only what he believed in and was never shy of expressing his personal beliefs no matter how controversial.
Akeredolu died on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 in a German hospital where he was receiving treatment for prostate cancer.
In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communications, John Paul Akinduro, Mimiko
described Akeredolu’s death as a big loss to the people of Ondo state, his community of Owo, and the nation at large.
His words: “Beyond the rhetorics of politics, Aketi was a patriot who did only what he believed in and was never shy of expressing his personal beliefs no matter how controversial.
“From our days as unionists in the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Aketi was and remained a dogged fighter for causes he believed in and a jolly good personality.
“His departure will no doubt be felt by his wife, children, immediate associates, and residents of our dear state”.
The former governor asked the people of the state to support Akeredolu’s family in prayers, saying all must be united at these trying times, saying: “I enjoin all the people of our dear state to shed all toga of partisanship and sentiments to mourn the departed compatriot and join in praying for strength to the family to bear the loss.
“Aketi has done his bit and left these shores for good. We all must endeavour, for all that life is worth, to do our best to honour his memory and for the good of our dear State and country.
“Olukemi and I join millions of Nigerians to commiserate with his immediate family, the larger Akeredolu Family, the Olowo of Owo, the Ondo State Government, and indeed the Ondo State people on the departure of the man we all call Aketi. May he find peace in the blossom of the Lord.”
Also expressing deep shock, the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba (Dr) Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi described Akeredolu’s passage as a huge loss to the people of the state and Country at large.
The royal father, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Michael Adeyeye, described Akeredolu as a fearless and resilient fighter for the course of justice and the interest of the masses.
He said: “There is no gainsaying that Governor Akeredolu lived up to his name of Mr Talk and Do who will always pursue his strong conviction into a logical conclusion.
“The maintenance of internal security in the Southwest through the establishment of Amotekun had remained one of the enduring legacies of Late Rotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.
“Oba Aladetoyionbo wishes to commiserate with the Government and good people of Ondo State over this irreparable loss. There is no doubt that the death of Aketi is a huge loss to us in Ondo State and Nigeria at large.”
He also commiserated with the immediate family of the late governor and prayed that the Almighty would grant them the fortitude to bear this huge loss.
To him, “Akeredolu has fought a good fight, he came, he saw and he conquered.”
