The governor’s campaign group; Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation Foot Soldiers, LACO-FS, said this in a statement issued in Akure on Thursday through its State Director of Information, Mr Kayode Fasua.
The rite of passage for the departed former governor will end with his burial in his Owo country home on Saturday.
Akeredolu, 67, died on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, while receiving treatment for protracted prostate cancer. Aiyedatiwa, his deputy, was subsequently sworn in as governor.
“Much as we miss our dear former governor, fondly called Aketi, who had been called home by his Creator, we are consoled by the fact that the Almighty gave him the opportunity to benefit humanity with his vast talents spanning Law, public administration, and ennobling social engagement.
“As Governor of Ondo State for almost seven years, Aketi brought massive transformation to our communities, especially through road infrastructure, which earned him the appellation of ‘Mr. Road’ from grateful road users, especially the rural dwellers.
“Besides, Aketi ensured that development programmes were evenly distributed among communities cutting across all the 18 local government areas of Ondo State, leaving no one to complain of marginalisation or neglect,” the group applauded.
The LACO-FS also recalled that when the malaise of nomadic herdsmen attacks, kidnapping, and other criminal activities sapped the Southwest region of Nigeria during the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, it was Akeredolu “that stood in the gap.”
“Swiftly, our amiable Governor Akeredolu evolved the arm-bearing Amotekun Southwest Security Corps, tasked to safeguard the communities, and this was happily embraced by his fellow governors in the region.
“We can’t forget all these and many other achievements of Aketi in a hurry, and we enjoin his family members, friends, and other-well wishers to be consoled by his intimidating profile in the legal profession, politics, and even social life; having also featured in Kegite Club, an entertainment outfit of elite undergraduates and graduates.
On another note, the LACO-FS stated that Aiyedatiwa is fully dedicated to continuing the work started by his predecessor.
They noted that he has engaged government contractors and closely monitored their progress to ensure the timely completion of projects.
It also said Aiyedatiwa, within a few months of assuming office, had cleared all salaries owed public workers and also recently released N1.2 billion to offset arrears of pensions and gratuities to retirees.
