By Banji Ayoola
The Chief of Staff to the departed Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Chief Olugbenga Ale, has paid a glowing tribute to his former boss whom he described as an exceptional example of rectitude and moral uprightness.
According to him, Akeredolu’s passage was “a great blow, not just to me as a person, but to his family, the entire Owo land, and indeed Ondo State.”
In the moving tribute titled: “Tribute to My Friend, Boss and Leader: Arakunrin Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu, SAN, CON”, which he signed, the COS wrote:
“… You have got all the time in the world: whether a thousand years or a day; it is all the same to you. Are we not more to you than a wispy dream, no more than a blade of grass that springs up gloriously with the rising sun and it is cut down without a second thought?” Psalm 90:4-6 (MSG)
The loss of a very close friend, boss and leader as exceptional as Arakunrin Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu, SAN , CON, the late Governor of Ondo State (2017-2023) is undoubtedly a great blow, not just to me as a person, but to his family, the entire Owoland and indeed Ondo State. His vision, guidance, commitment and dedication to duty will be sorely missed, especially by those who had the rare privilege of working closely with him, like me. Our relationship of mutual love and respect spanned decades.
Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON was an accomplished professional who rose to the pinnacle of his career as a legal practitioner, who because of his exceptional qualities and confidence reposed in him by his professional colleagues, was elected as the President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA). His time as the President of the Bar was one of the golden periods of the NBA. He used the position to fight the cause of the oppressed, downtrodden, and the common man in society. It is fair to say that by all standards, he was a successful politician and legal practitioner.
As Governor of Ondo State, he recorded several landmark achievements in infrastructural development and human capital development. He broke many landmark jinxes in Ondo State which previous administrations dared not. A good example that has remained a reference point was the creation of Local Council Development Areas of which I happened to be the Chairman of the White Paper Committee that was set up to consider the Odogiyan-led Committee Report. Against all odds, Local Council Development Areas were created under his leadership as the Governor of Ondo State. In addition, under his leadership, the Licence for Port Ondo was granted the State.
The impact and influence he had on the development and progress of Ondo State cannot be overstated. His leadership was marked by a deep commitment to the well-being of the populace. His efforts aimed at bringing about a positive trajectory in every aspect of our lives were legendary. While some of us are taciturn, he was a dyed-in-the-wool extrovert who was never afraid to speak his mind on any matter that caught his fancy.
He had integrity in abundance. He remained an example of rectitude, moral uprightness, professionalism, and great human qualities. He instilled into us unmatched boldness and fearlessness to stand for the truth even if it meant standing alone. He also instilled in us the undying love for this State and the firm belief that with the right approach, the many challenges confronting us could be overcome, and a bright future achieved for our people. He stood for quality, integrity, fairness, and self-assertiveness.
Despite his intellectual depth, he never shied away from accepting superior arguments at any given time. He was passionate about Ondo State workers. No request brought to him on their welfare was ever turned down, except on grounds of financial constraints. Returning to Akure as late as 4:00 pm from any trip did not stop him from retiring to his table to attend to State matters. Several times he had to skip his lunch because of work. As Governor, I doubt if he ever had the opportunity to retire to bed earlier than midnight.
I feel a great sense of gratitude for his positive spirit and enthusiasm about life. To him: “Life should be taken easy: yet do not be afraid to stand for the truth.’’ He would say: “Nothing will happen”.
It is on record that he appointed me as his Chief of Staff because he was convinced I could work with him, not because of any modicum of lobbying. But for his steadfastness and complete trust in me, I wouldn’t have been reappointed for our Second Term because of the shenanigans of my traducers. The rest is now history. I recall with nostalgia when he appointed me back then, I stood before him and pledged that rain or sunshine, I would remain steadfast and loyal to his cause.
On 3rd April 2023 when he was going on his last annual leave, he charged me, as usual, “Gbenga, eghen di uli mu o”. This instruction remained my guiding watchword throughout.
On Friday, 22nd September 2023, the only time I had the golden opportunity to have a one-to-one discussion with him on his return from medical leave, contrary to all negative insinuations about our continued cordial relationship, he did thank me profusely for holding the forte while he was away.
All lies churned out about me remained the figment of the imagination of the fabricators and the peddlers alike. He also apologised for his inability to attend my son’s wedding which was held on Saturday, 2nd September 2023. He was in his full element. I was happy as he promised to return to Akure soonest. Alas! That was the last time we spoke. Osan ja, orun dopa! How the mighty has fallen! Erin wo, ajanaku sun bi oke!
I commiserate with the adorable wife, Aunty Betty, the children, siblings, and the entire Akeredolu Dynasty of Owo Kingdom over this irredeemable catastrophe.
Adieu my friend, boss and leader.”
