In a somber acknowledgment of the untimely demise of Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu of Ondo State, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., conveyed his heartfelt sorrow, characterizing the loss as profoundly painful.
Governor Akeredolu, aged 67, succumbed to the hands of fate on Wednesday, leaving a void that Speaker Abbas deemed a significant blow to the All Progressives Congress (APC) family. In a poignant reflection, the Speaker hailed the late governor as one of the luminary legal minds within the ruling party.
Speaker Abbas went on to extol Governor Akeredolu’s virtues, highlighting his tenacity, brilliance, and unwavering patriotism throughout his distinguished lifetime. As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Akeredolu’s commitment to the principles of the rule of law, democracy, and true federalism earned him accolades.
Recalling the late governor’s pivotal role as a champion of human rights during the struggle against military rule, Speaker Abbas acknowledged Akeredolu’s instrumental contribution to the restoration of democracy in 1999. Moreover, he underscored Akeredolu’s remarkable ascent in both legal and political realms, emphasizing his dual roles as a legal luminary and a prominent political figure.
Governor Akeredolu’s achievements included not only his membership in the inner Bar as a distinguished lawyer but also his tenure as Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum.
In expressing his condolences, Speaker Abbas conveyed sympathies to the Akeredolu family, the people of Ondo State, and the state government. He concluded the tribute with a heartfelt prayer, invoking divine peace for Governor Akeredolu’s soul in the eternal paradise.
Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, born on July 21, 1956, hailed from Owo in Ondo State. He pursued his legal studies at the Obafemi Awolowo University (formerly University of Ife) and graduated in 1977, subsequently being called to the Bar in 1978. The late governor’s legacy encompasses a rich tapestry of legal and political accomplishments, leaving an indelible mark on the political landscape of Ondo State and Nigeria at large.
