The death of Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, on Wednesday has sparked an outpouring of tributes from political leaders across the country, who hailed his courage, brilliance and service to the nation.
The state government confirmed that Akeredolu, who once served as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, passed away in Germany at 67 years old, following a fight with prostate cancer. He had taken a medical leave in January to seek treatment abroad.
President Bola Tinubu, in a passionate eulogy, described Akeredolu as his fearless brother and soulmate, who taught him and many others the power of action and service. He said Akeredolu’s death was a blow to the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) and the progressive family.
“I hope that his successor Aiyedatiwa will hold steadfast to the vision of governance left by this towering political leader,” Tinubu said.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also mourned the passing of his Ondo State colleague, saying he made lots of impactful contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria, first as a lawyer and later as a two-term governor.
“The death of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is a colossal loss to the country, particularly the people of Ondo State,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, said the death of the governor was a lesson to those who remain in service about the nothingness of life and the need to remain firm in good works.
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“May God grant all of us, who mourn them, and the entire nation, the fortitude to bear their losses,” Obi said.
The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, passed his condolences to the people of Ondo State, saying Akeredolu’s legacy will be remembered.
“[Governor Rotimi Akeredolu] was an outstanding administrator with deep understanding and capacity for leadership especially in his roles towards the unity, stability and development of the nation. My thoughts are with his family and the entire Ondo State during this difficult time,” Fintiri said.
The APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, praised the late governor’s unflinching commitment to the principles of democracy, exceptional leadership skills and championing of initiatives that enhanced the standard of living for the people of Ondo state.
Mr Akeredolu is famously credited as the governor who led the formation of the Amotekun Security Network to help curb insecurity at the height of the herdsmen-farmer clashes in the southwest.
“Governor Akeredolu’s departure leaves a significant void in our political landscape. His absence will be felt by all who had the privilege of working with him, collaborating on projects, or simply experiencing his remarkable leadership firsthand,” Ganduje said.
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also mourned the death of Akeredolu, describing him as an unrepentant fighter for fairness, equity and justice in the affairs of the nation.
“He believed in true federalism, respect, defence and protection of ethnic nationalities which he advocated as a prerequisite for peace and development in our nation,” the PDP said in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.
