The death of Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has been described as a tragic and monumental loss to Nigeria.
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, mourning his colleague who passed on in the early hours of Wednesday, noted Akeredolu as a preeminent and forward-thinking progressive leader.
Governor Bello reflected on the deceased’s transformative impact as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association,NBA,in 2008.
Bello in a press statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed said that Akeredolu’s unwavering commitment and dedication in steering the ship of democracy and good governance during his seven-year tenure as the Governor of Ondo were acknowledged with deep admiration.
Governor Bello said ‘this big loss is not only for the Akeredolu family and Ondo State alone but monumental loss for the entire nation.”
Recalling Akeredolu’s role as a senior governor-colleague and statesman, Governor Bello emphasized the invaluable wise counsel and kind guidance that the late Akeredolu significantly contributed to the enhancement of the Governors’Forum’s leadership and democratic institutions in Nigeria.
“I received the sad news of the death of my elder brother and senior colleague, His Excellency Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, with a deep sense of grief.
“Akeredolu was not just a senior governor-colleague but also a statesman whose wisdom and kind guidance have profoundly impacted my leadership, in addition to his invaluable contributions, specifically in the Governors Forum and the democratic institution in Nigeria over the years.
“This is a great loss to all of us, the people of Ondo State, and Nigeria in general. God gives life and takes at His will. May the heavens receive the soul of my brother with the generosity and kindness he showered on humanity over the years,” he said.
Governor Bello highlighted Akeredolu’s stature as one of the eminent figures in Africa’s legal profession, acknowledging his relentless efforts in advancing justice, upholding the rule of law, and fortifying democratic institutions in Nigeria.
He urged the family, friends, and colleagues of the late legal luminary to find solace in his exemplary leadership and dedication to the service of humanity.
This virtue, the governor noted, had undeniably resulted in remarkable progress in our democratic journey as a nation. Bello prayed for the peaceful repose of Akeredolu’s soul.
