Elder statesman and retired general in the Nigerian army, Olu Bajowa, has commiserated with Ondo state’s family and people over Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s passing.
Bajowa in a statement on Sunday and made available to Nigerian Tribune said the state and the country has lost a dogged fighter and principled politician whose contributions to development of the society cannot be forgotten.
He revealed that the late Akeredolu’s role in the formation of the local security network called Amotekun in the state and other South West states was commendable and timely, ” when our security was seriously challenged, by anti-social forces.”
He said, ” With Governor Akeredolu’s demise, we the good people of Ondo State have lost a leader par excellence, a dogged fighter for justice, a principled politician, excellent legal luminary and a thorough bred gentleman, who in the absence of a State Police, founded “Amotekun” for Ondo State, and indeed Yoruba race, when our security was seriously challenged, by anti-social forces.
” Governor Akeredolu was a very good man by all standards, he was a very focused personality, fair and just to all, and always relentless in his service to God and humanity.
” From my personal encounters with him and the testimony of those who worked closely with him, I dare say that his demise has created a very big vacuum which will be very difficult to fill any time soon.
” His friendly disposition to all and sundry, unique leadership style and landmark achievements as Ondo State governor remain unparalleled in the history of our State, and only posterity can best lead to a full appreciation of his indelible footprints on the sands of time.
” It is therefore with profound sense of personal loss that I commiserate with the Akeredolu family of Owo kingdom, the Nigeria Bar Association, and the well meaning people of Ondo State over his demise at the age of 67 years.
” Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu lived a purpose driven life. He came, he saw and he conquered! And the best tribute we the good people of Ondo State can pay to him, is to preserve his developmental legacies and sustain the peaceful co existence with one another, which was the hallmark of his life and service.”
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