The ancient town of Owo, Ondo State on Friday played host to people from all walks of life who thronged the town to grace the final burial of the late former governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu.
Akeredolu, who passed away on December 27, 2023, during a protracted illness in German hospital, at the age of 67, was laid to rest at the burial site in the community.
In line with the burial programme, the body of the former governor arrived in the state on Wednesday where special court session was held in his honour after which the remains were taken to the Akure Township Stadium for a lying in state and commendation service.
On Friday, a funeral service was held at the St. Andrew’s Cathedral Anglican Church, Imola, Owo. The Vice President, Kashim Shettima and many dignitaries were in attendance.
Other dignitaries include the Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the governors of Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Osun , Ekiti, Edo , Delta, Anambra and Benue states, Seyi Makinde, Dapo Abiodun, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun Oyebanji, Godwin Obaseki, Sheriff Oborevwori, Charles Soludo and Hyacinth Alia respectively, and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje.
Speaking, President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Vice President, described the deceased former governor as a fearless man who always stood by the truth.
“We are gathered here today to bid farewell to a remarkable soul, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON,” the President began, reflecting on the transience of life and the enduring impact of our choices. He is a fearless soldier for his people.”
“There was no point in life where his voice shook in telling his truth. He was a vastly intelligent man whose passion created quite a wide vacuum beyond this community, “the President eulogised.
Similarly, the state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said his former boss always stood for good governance and the rule of law.
The stated, “You are all here because he stood for something; good governance and the rule of law. He meant a lot to different people, and that is why he has been described in different words. He was a courageous leader, a fighter, and a warrior. How can we forget him so soon? It is not possible because he lives on.
“He used the instrument of governance to intervene in different sectors of the state, including education, health services, and infrastructural development and security, among others.”
In his sermon, the Anglican Bishop of Ikwerre Diocese, in River State, Dr Blessing Enyindah urged people in the position of authority to do their best while in office.
He specifically told President Tinubu to find urgent solution to the economic hardship in the country.
Bishop Enyindah said, “May I on behalf of Nigerians pray and call on the President, Senator Bola Tinubu to do something to reduce the hardship faced by Nigerians.
“We have the hope that he will do it because he promised us renewed hope, and according to him, it is his turn. So, the turn and opportunity have been given to him now. We are waiting and expecting the fulfilment of the renewed hope. We plead with him to do it fast because time, that is four or eight years as the case may be, is brief and the time is running.”
However the wife of late Akeredolu, Betty, in her tribute hit hard on the critics of her relationship with her late husband.
The former first lady said, “Not a few lashed out that you (Akeredolu) were a weakling because you loved me. I don’t think that in their homes, while growing up, they saw their mothers trampled upon as doormats. By the way, do they know what love is? Can an Amotekun generalissimo be a weakling? Mbanuu! It doesn’t add up. Haba!
“They copied the template and treated their wives as pieces of furniture that can be easily discarded as trash. And in many instances, the subjugation was garnished with beatings while the community looked the other way and remained unperturbed in the face of gender-based violence.”
