Valedictory Court Session: Oyo Legal luminaries pay tribute to Akeredolu

It was an emotional session on Monday when legal luminaries and dignitaries from all walks of life including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kayode Ariwoola and the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, converged at the High Court of Justice Complex at Ring Road, Ibadan for a Valedictory Court session in honour of former Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu who died in the early hours of December 27, 2023 at the age of 63.

There was a deluge of commentaries from dignitaries from various states of the federation especially the Southwest states, especially on the life and times of the man fondly called Aketi in the legal circle; he was described as a man who was religious, courageous and never afraid of speaking the truth even when battling a life-threatening ailment.

The Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima in her address said she is grateful that the Oyo judiciary and legal community could pay their last respects to late Governor Akeredolu in an exquisite setting due to his relationship with Oyo State and Ibadan in particular, adding that “I am certain that the spirit of “Aketi” is alive and jubilant at the restoration of the Oyo State Judiciary.”

According to her, “he loved Ibadan dearly and proudly states that Ibadan was his “constituency”; he therefore looked forward to coming back to Ibadan after completing his second term in office. Oh how he would have loved to experience the restoration of the Judiciary to its Pacesetter status

“I wish I were seated with the family today, because “Aketi” was family to me and I also mourn his demise. Governor Akeredolu meant different things to many people; to me, he was a patriarch of the Nigerian Bar at the National level and especially here in Ibadan, Oyo state. He was passionate about the Bar and Bench and loved the Ibadan Bar dearly. He was someone I could speak with freely about matters concerning the Bench and he always gave good counsel.

“Late Governor Akeredolu was a highly religious man and a devout Christian. Today, we mourn a great man, but we also delight in the cherished memories of our beloved “Aketi” because we know that his legacy lives on. He lived a great and impactful life, such that he will always be remembered for good. So I encourage us to rejoice that he has gone to rest and will receive his reward from his maker and lord,” she said.

The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi in his address, stated that he is terribly devastated by the death of Akeredolu who he described as a colossus, adding that “to describe this colossus fondly called Aketi may not be a tough job but it is a complex one all the same. For in what simple way can you describe a man who cannot be pigeon-holed. He was a giant who was at home with people of all classes and ages. His persona commanded a respect he would never force.

“In his undying spirit, even as he battled the illness that fast-forwarded his exit from our midst, Aketi renewed his pledge to give the people of Ondo State, the portal Ondo, the dry port that was designed to be the best around. He didn’t allow the allure of power and political partisanship to neutralise his commitment to true federalism and good governance

“Your life is a lesson to those of us still living. The lesson from your life is a reminder that death can come at anytime to anybody. We must therefore stop procrastinating. We must all hasten to do that good deed now. Tomorrow may be too late as it is not guaranteed for anybody. Aketi to the glory of God, quickly utilised his little time he had and our world is the better for it.

“I urge us all to take heart over this national tragedy as I pray God to give his immediate family, the legal profession and the entire nation the fortitude to bear the seemingly irreparable loss. The least we can do to appreciate our departed Aketi is to emulate his good deeds of selflessness, generosity and sincerity of purpose,” he said.

The representative of the Body of Benchers, Dele Adesina (SAN), said Akeredolu’s life is a lesson to all especially leaders that it is not to lead but to serve selflessly like Akeredolu did. He served the Bar, served the nation and humanity.

He added that NBA was pragmatic and decisive and believed in the rule of law under him, adding that “There is no room for anybody to pass through life without having a legacy like Akeredolu. We should celebrate him and not mourn because he left a good name and legacy behind.”

On his part, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State,
Abiodun Aikomo described Akeredolu as a man of strong conviction who was strongly courageous and a shining light who worked hard to ensure the emergence of the Southwest Security Network codenamed Amotekun.

The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), represented by Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), said Akeredolu is a renowned activist, astute legal practitioner and politician who aside from his leadership roles, was an astute protagonist for justice, fairness and rule of law which attitude he exhibits without fear of anything or favour to anyone.

“He was a man of impeccable character, honest to a fault, impartial, courageous and bold. His remarkable courageous moves include his opposition to the Federal Government’s order that security outfits set up by various state government cannot bear firearms. He maintained that Ondo State will procure arms for Amotekun officers if the Federal Government can allow a security outfit in Katsina to carry arms,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Akeredolu’s daughter, Yejide Runsewe expressed gratitude for the heartwarming messages and testimonials about the person of their late father, adding that it will go a long way in strengthening the family he left behind and make it easy to continue with his legacy.