A year after the death of the late governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, friends, family, professionals, and political associates converged on his Owo country home to remember and celebrate him.
This is just as the state government organised a lecture to commemorate Akeredolu’s demise at the International Event Centre, The Dome, in Akure, the state capital.
The two-fold event, held simultaneously, was attended by several dignitaries who gathered at The Dome and his house in Owo to eulogise the late Southern Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, who died last December.
The former governor of Ekiti State, Mr Kayode Fayemi, several national assembly and state lawmakers, traditional rulers, and captains of industry were present at the church service and book launch commemorating Akeredolu’s one-year remembrance.
The State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, said Akeredolu is remembered for his legacy, describing him as an advocate of good governance.
He said, “We are gathered here not to mourn but to celebrate our dear brother, friend, community leader, former governor, and former Chancellor of this diocese, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, who did his very best for humanity before joining the Saints Triumphant a year ago.
“His demise remains very painful, but we are consoled by the fact that he lived a life of purpose and service to his people.
“Arakunrin Akeredolu, a courageous leader and an unrepentant advocate of good governance, is being remembered today by his family, friends, associates, Ondo State people, and even Nigerians across political, religious, and cultural divides, for the immense role he played in the advancement of our democratic ideals.
“We will continue to remember him for being at the forefront and for rallying his brother governors to institutionalise the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, a home-grown security outfit that is currently doing a tremendous job at combating insecurity in our land.
“This is in addition to other laudable infrastructural initiatives midwifed by our late leader. As a government, we have designed a series of state events—the one we are having at the moment in this church auditorium and another one later today in Akure.”
Speaking earlier at the church service, the diocesan bishop of the Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew, Imola, Owo, Rt. Rev. Stephen Fagbemi, urged the people to always remember that what they do outlives them even after they are gone.
Fagbemi noted that Akeredolu lived his life for the people, which has become a source of testimonials after his death. He described the late Akeredolu as an exceptional politician who stood for the people.
The bishop said if the late governor were alive, he would have voiced against the current hardship Nigerians are facing in the country. He said, “As a diocese, we remember his exceptional service as our Chancellor and a devoted member of the Church.
“As a politician, he was known for his integrity and advocacy for justice, particularly his vigorous campaign for the southern presidency and power shift from the north.
“If he were alive today, no doubt 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 prioritise security and sustainable farming to address these challenges.”
Fayemi, while speaking, said, “In politics, it is not a common quality to have people who are as compassionate as politicians. Many are competent, some have capacity, but what really makes a fundamental difference is courage.
“Aketi had courage in abundance. Even when things are not going well, he is unfazed.”
The late governor’s first son, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Jnr., while speaking on the last year without his father, stated, “It has been a long, tough year that we have been without Daddy around.
“It is just that I feel there is such a big hole and a lot of emptiness. I’m definitely missing Dad a lot. It just feels so much longer. It is a year, but I feel like I have lived five years just because I missed him.”
A biography written by Dr Wale Okediran and forwarded by Chief Wole Olanipekun, titled ‘The Life and Times of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,’ was launched to mark the first year of Akeredolu’s passage during the event.
The former Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; Senator Adeniyi Adegbomire; the APC Chairman in the state, Ade Adetimehin; among others led all Akeredolu’s political office holders to the event.
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