Family members, friends, and associates of the departed former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, gathered in Owo on Friday for his first-year remembrance.
The remembrance activities, organized by the family, commenced with a church service at St. Andrews Cathedral, Imola Street, Owo, and climaxed with the commissioning of the mausoleum after a book launch in his honour.
His widow, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu leading her children with their spouses, and Prof. Wole Akeredolu leading the deceased’s siblings attended. present.
Also in attendance was the Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami; a former governor of Ekiti State, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi; Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Hellen Ogunwumiju; Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Engr. Ade Adetimehin; Senator representing Ondo Central Senatorial District, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire; Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati; and Hon. Timehin Adelegbe, among others.
There were the Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan; Majority Leader, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi; Hon. Morenike Witherspoon; Hon. Tosin Ogunmolu Ajirotutu; and Hon. Oshati Maxima.
Members of the state executive council in the former Akeredolu administration, including former Secretary to the State Government Princess Oladunni Odu, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa, Yeye Oba Bamidele Ademola Olateju, and Mr. Tobi Ogunleye Esq., were also present.
There were Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), judges from other states, and close friends of the deceased, including Engr. Remi Osiberu, Mr. Akingbade Dickson, and Mr. Charles Oladiji Akinola.
The late governor’s in-law from Emeabiam in Imo State also attended to honour their late in-law.
In his homily, the Bishop of Owo Anglican Diocese, Rt. Reverend Ayodeji Fagbemi, emphasised that the deceased are blessed because their good works, done in faith, will be remembered.
He remarked that if Akeredolu were alive, “he would have spoken against the current state of hunger and hardship in our land.”
“Corruption continues to rob the people of the true dividends of democracy. We must prioritize security and sustainable farming to address these challenges,” he added.
The Bishop commemorated Akeredolu’s exceptional service as Chancellor of the diocese and his integrity as a politician, particularly his advocacy for justice and power shift from the north.
At the book launch, author Dr. Wale Okediran noted that Akeredolu had shared insights into the kind of book he wanted before his passing.
Okediran described him as a great man whose time and efforts were dedicated to serving the people.
Book reviewer, Dr. Femi Adeosun stated, “Aketi, as he was fondly called, remains a riveting personality whose life embodied exceptional courage, humility, and tenacity of purpose, qualities that are rare among today’s generation.”
He continued, “This biography, *Aketi: The Life and Times of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,* tells the compelling story of a multi-dimensional thinker who excelled in various roles, including as a former student leader, National Bar Association (NBA) President, ex-Attorney General, and two-term governor of the state.”
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Fayemi, praised Akeredolu as a courageous man unafraid to speak truth to power.
He said, “Aketi had courage in abundance. We had a partnership based on mutual respect.”
Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Jr., the late governor’s first son, expressed the emotional toll of the past year, stating, “It has been a long, tough year without Daddy. I feel there is such a big hole and a lot of emptiness. I’m definitely missing Dad a lot.”
The mausoleum at the burial site was later commissioned by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire.
The Ooni of Ife, who donated a statue in honour of the departed Akeredolu, was represented at the unveiling.
Royal fathers from Owo and representatives of the Deji of Akure also attended the event.
