The Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, yesterday evening, swore in Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the 19th governor of the state.
Aiyedatiwa, who was Acting Governor, assumed the position of Governor following the death of Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu, early on Wednesday morning after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.
The swearing in ceremony took place at 5:18p.m. at the Cocoa conference hall of the Governor’s Office, Akure.
Present to witness the swearing-in were other judges and top government officials, including the secretary to the state government and members of the state cabinet, the state All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman and members of the state house of assembly.
In his acceptance speech, the Governor of Ondo State said he was sad over the death of his principal.
“It is with heavy heart that I accept this onerous responsibility of taking over the reins of governance and affairs of our state following the unfortunate loss and passing of our beloved Governor, leader and dear boss, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON.
“The death of our governor is indeed a devastating shock to us all, as we have all been praying earnestly for his quick recovery and subsequent safe return to Ondo State, having embarked on another medical leave on Wednesday, 13th December, 2023.
“Indeed, there is no armour against fate, death lays his icy hand on kings,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa commiserated with the immediate and extended family of the late Akeredolu, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the Olowo of Owo, the people of Owo and indeed the entire people of Ondo State over this monumental loss.
He described the deceased as a man of courage who always stood with the truth, even to his own detriment.
Aiyedatiwa said the people of Ondo State and the entire South-West would not forget in a hurry the creation of Amotekun that checkmated banditry and kidnapping in the region.
“The demise of Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu is indeed a great loss to me as an individual as our relationship dated back to many years ago, having closely worked with him when his gubernatorial journey started in Year 2012.”
He said it was the first time that the state was having a transition in the history of administration, noting that “we must continue to sustain his legacy of good governance.”
The new governor said his responsibility was to complete the landmark projects his boss had started. He said It was necessary for him to acknowledge with pride the achievement of his former boss and would continue to advance the welfare of the people in every decision he would take.
The governor later prayed that God would grant the Akeredolu family and people in Ondo state the fortitude to bear the loss.
He also thanked President Bola Tinubu, his deputy, Kashim Shetima and all who have provided succour and support for the state during this period.
“I want to assure the people of Ondo State that under my watch, this administration shall continue to advance the welfare of the people. We shall always place the people first in every decision we take.
“It is my prayer, once more, that God Almighty shall grant the family and the people of Ondo State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
Aiyedatiwa declared three days of mourning in the state and ordered that the national flag in all establishments in the state should fly at half mast.
•He died of prostate cancer
The Ondo State Government has said Akeredolu succumbed to death at a German hospital in the early hours of yesterday from complications arising from prostate cancer.
An official statement by the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, confirmed the governor’s death.
“With a heavy heart, the Ondo State Government announces the tragic passing of our beloved Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.
“Mr. Governor peacefully departed from this world in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 27, 2023. This tragedy has left behind a profound void in our hearts.
“Gov. Akeredolu answered the eternal call while receiving medical treatment in Germany.
“He succumbed to complications arising from protracted prostate cancer,” the statement read.
The statement also said a letter had been sent to President Bola Tinubu to officially inform him of the demise of Akeredolu.
“The Family and the Ondo State Government appreciate Mr President for his support for Governor Akeredolu during his illness.
“The family and the state government will release further details regarding the funeral arrangements.
“Governor Akeredolu was an extraordinary leader whose unwavering dedication to the state and its people was both commendable and unparalleled.
“He not only served as the Governor of Ondo State but also emerged as a prominent advocate for the entire South-West region and the nation.
“Gov. Akeredolu was a courageous leader and an exemplar of integrity. The weight of this loss is truly unbearable.
“However, we find solace in the knowledge that Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu lived a purposeful life, devoted to the service of God Almighty,” the statement concluded.
•He’ll forever be remembered as a hero – NGF
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) says he would forever be remembered as a hero.
The forum in a statement by its Chairman, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in Abuja, commiserated with the family of Akeredolu on his demise on Wednesday.
AbdulRazaq said Aketi was loved by many, a true believer in justice and fairness – a course he towed dearly to the very end.
“Amongst many, he was a voice of reason, one whose counsel resonated well and often brought succor. He was an accomplished Senior Advocate of Nigeria, a true democrat, and a believer in the new Nigeria project.
“His humility and non-partisan stance for national interest to always prevail endeared him to many.”
AbdulRazaq said Akeredolu’s valuable contributions and interventions as a member of the forum, helped them to forge ahead of their political and ideological differences for the greater good of the nation.
He described Akeredolu as a statesman and an embodiment of intellectual acuity.
“We are indeed saddened by this irreplaceable loss and pray for the family and the entire people of Ondo state in this difficult time. May God in his infinite mercy ease your pain.
“We hope to find solace in our memory of his achievements and that his good deeds will live on. Aketi lived a good life, fought a good fight, and will forever be remembered as a hero,” he said.
•Buhari, Jonathan mourn
Former presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan have expressed sadness over the passing of Akerdolu.
“We are indeed saddened by this irreplaceable loss and pray for the family and the entire people of Ondo state in this difficult time. May God in his infinite mercy ease your pain.
“We hope to find solace in our memory of his achievements and that his good deeds will live on. Aketi lived a good life, fought a good fight, and will forever be remembered as a hero,” he said.
•Buhari, Jonathan mourn
Former presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan have expressed sadness over the passing of Akerdolu.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Garba Shehu, Buhari said the former NBA president was a towering political and legal luminary.
“I have lost a valued friend. I pray that his soul finds eternal peace. My thoughts are with the countless people who are inspired by his leadership in law and politics.
“My condolences to his family, the government and people of Ondo State and to our party, the All Progressives Congress.”
In the message to the Na’Abba family in Kano, the government and the people of the state, Buhari described the demise of the former Speaker, House of Representatives, as a national loss.
“His insight into issues and nuanced understanding of politics had few parallels.
“Speaker Na’Abba was at the forefront of the defence of democracy at a time it faced the threat of extinction by powerful forces.
“He leaves us with innumerable memories of his activism in politics.
“May Allah forgive his wrong deeds”, Buhari said.
Dr. Jonathan, in a condolence message he personally signed, noted that the late governor would be remembered for his forthrightness and advocacy for constitutionalism, democracy and good governance.
“Mr Rotimi Akeredolu was a prominent lawyer and politician who helped shape democratic governance and promoted peace and development in Nigeria. As a lawyer, he was a sound and courageous legal luminary renowned for his advocacy for constitutionalism, democracy and good governance. As a politician, Mr Akeredolu served his state and the nation diligently as a sincere patriot who prioritised equity, justice, collective peace and unity of the nation above personal, political and ethnic interests.
“He will be missed by many across the country and remembered for his forthrightness and acts of patriotism. I offer my condolences to his immediate family, especially his wife, Mrs. Betty Akeredolu, and the government and people of Ondo State and pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described Akeredolu as a courageous and amiable personality, brilliant lawyer, outstanding administrator with deep understanding and capacity for leadership especially in his roles towards the unity, stability and development of the nation.
The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, said his death was a huge national loss. “He was an unrepentant fighter for fairness, equity and justice in the affairs of the nation.
“He believed in true federalism, respect, defense and protection of ethnic nationalities which he advocated as prerequisite for peace and development in our nation.”
Ologunagba commiserated with Akeredolu’s widow, Betty Akeredolu, his children and the people of Ondo State.
He prayed to God to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, and to the faithful departed, eternal rest in His bosom.
Colossal loss – CAN
The Ondo State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in a statement by its chairman, Rev. Fr. Anselm Ologunwa issued by the Director Information and Communication , Mr. Daisi Ajayi, described Akeredolu as a great fighter of democracy, a dedicated and loving father of all.
According to him, the governor exhibited several outstanding qualities during his tenure of administration, ranging from the establishment of Amotekun security outfit and his stand on the unity of the country.
The CAN chairman affirmed that Akeredolu was well noted for his firmness in decision making as being usually called,” Mr. Talk and Do” governor.
Makinde, Afenifere pay tributes
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, in his tributes, said his death was a sad loss to Yorubaland and Nigeria.
Describing Akeredolu, who until his death was the chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, as a dogged and courageous leader, Makinde said Aketi, as he was fondly called, worked hard with his colleague-governors for the peace, prosperity and progress of South-West states.
“I received with great sadness the news of the death of my brother, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, the governor of Ondo State and chairman, South-West Governors’ Forum.
“I condole with his wife and children as well as the Government and people of Ondo State over this sad loss. In Aketi, South-West has lost a dogged fighter and courageous leader who worked hard for the peace, prosperity and progress of the region.
“I have also lost a worthy co-fighter for the South-West cause because we were both at the vanguard of the struggle, which birthed the South-West Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun.
“Aketi’s fervent and unrelenting stance on issues that border on South-West’s regional integration and progress is a lesson for leaders. He will be sorely missed.
“Rest well, my dear brother and may the good Lord be with everyone you left behind.”
On his part, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, expressed shock over the demise of Akeredolu, in a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Mr. Jare Ajayi.
He quoted the elder statesman as describing the late governor as a quintessential gentleman, a thorough professional, a patriot and a very courageous individual.
“Rest well, my dear brother and may the good Lord be with everyone you left behind.”
On his part, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, expressed shock over the demise of Akeredolu, in a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Mr. Jare Ajayi.
He quoted the elder statesman as describing the late governor as a quintessential gentleman, a thorough professional, a patriot and a very courageous individual.
Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan branch, described him as one of its shining lights.
According to the Chairman of the association, Mrs. Folasade Aladeniyi, with Akeredolu’s death, NBA Ibadan branch has lost one of its brightest, friend, mentor, fearless and courageous man as well as a caring patron.
She recalled that the late governor was a past secretary and chairman of Ibadan NBA before he later became the president of the association.
“He was always there for us, even before my assumption of office and since I became the chairman, he had been working for my progress.
“Personally, I knew him to be a man of great faith in Christ. So all along, I was very hopeful that he would pull through the sickness.
“He did when no one thought he would, but his death now is just one of the ways God superintendents in the affairs of men. He didn’t even reach 70; my eyes are bleeding and my heart is heavily pained,” she said.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Kazeem Gbadamosi, described the late Akeredolu as his boss and boss to so many others who he trained under his tutelage.
“He was kind, down to earth and courageous; alas, he succumbed to death like every other man would do. May his soul rest in peace.”
Brave, courageous, forthright -Ex-AGF, Bayo Ojo
A former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, described the late governor as a brave, courageous and forthright statesman whose legacies would live after him for a very long time to come.
He said Akeredolu was a great Nigerian, unimpeachable patriot, sound legal mind, and quintessential legal luminary of global reputation, whose death would mark the end of an eventful career of an exceptional Nigerian, whose love for country was exceptional.
“He was a great statesman whose legacies will live after him for a very long time to come. He was always very brave, courageous and forthright in all his dealings.
“He affected the lives of the citizens of Ondo State and his friends alike positively. Above all, he was a consummate and quintessential lawyer and Bar man through and through. He will be sorely missed. I commiserate with his wife, children and family members. May his soul rest in peace.”
Huge loss to Yoruba race, Nigeria – Ooni
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in a statement he personally issued, said the late governor was an epitome of honesty and courage, who lived a life worthy of emulation.
According to him, the Oduduwa race has lost a pillar of honesty and courage; a man who served humanity with his expertise as a legal luminary, experienced politician and true descendant of Oduduwa.
“When we were challenged at the grassroots by invaders who masqueraded as herdsmen, Aketi worked with stakeholders across South-West and the national level to deliver our mandate of security and prosperity.
“This birthed Amotekun and other initiatives through which our people are safer and more confident to embark on their lawful businesses daily.
“He was an honest, bold and courageous leader whose legacy will never be forgotten. If Akeredolu tells you anything, that is the way it is.
“His death is a personal loss to me because we were very close, right from our days as students of Loyola College, Ibadan till date.
“In fact, he did a legacy project for the school through which his name will forever be remembered,” he said.
Mbah: He kept the faith, fought the good fight
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, said he fought the good fight and served his people and nation wholeheartedly.
Mbah recalled that as an intellectual leader and legal luminary, Akeredolu came prepared for leadership and delivered on his mandate, adding that his death was a grave loss to not only the people of Ondo, but the entire nation and humanity.
Mbah, in a statement he personally issued, said: “I received with deep sadness the news of the passing on of His Excellency, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN. It is a grievous loss, not only to his immediate family and the good people of Ondo State, but also to the nation as a whole.
“Chief Akeredolu was a courageous leader, who shone like a million stars in the legal profession, loved and defended his people, giving his utmost best towards the development of Ondo State. He served Ondo State and Nigeria passionately and wholeheartedly.
“Indeed, he finished well, he kept faith and he fought the good fight, even till the end.”
While praying for the eternal repose of the soul of the deceased, Governor Mbah also prayed God to comfort the late governor’s loved ones and the people of Ondo State.
“My heart goes out to Her Excellency, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, his immediate family, and the government and good people of Ondo State. May God comfort and grant them the inner strength to bear the loss and grant the deceased eternal repose,” he concluded.
Monumental loss
– Yahaya Bello
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi said Akeredolu was a preeminent and forward-thinking progressive leader that would greatly be missed.
“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 are acknowledged with deep admiration.
“I can’t easily forget 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.
“This big loss is not only for the Akeredolu family and Ondo state alone but a monumental loss for the entire nation.
“His role as a senior governor colleague and statesman, his invaluable wise counsel and kind guidance that significantly contributed to the enhancement of the Governors Forum’s leadership and democratic institutions in Nigeria will remain fresh in our minds.”
Bello said that Akeredolu was not just a senior governor colleague but also a statesman, whose wisdom and kind guidance, had profoundly impacted his (Bello’s) leadership.
Kano Gov, Yakasai mourn
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, in a message issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, described the deceased as a true democrat, who worked relentlessly to ensure the thriving of democracy, good governance, respect for rule of law, in addition to championing the course of the common man.
“We received with deepest shock the death of our brother Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba in the wee hours of today, the former Speaker who died at the age of 65, was a complete gentleman, a true democrat whose contributions to the sustenance of democracy in the country was appreciated and cherished by all.”
He observed that his death had created a wide vacuum that would be difficult to fill not only in the extended Na’Abba family, in the state but in the entire country as his contributions to the strengthening democracy in Nigeria and beyond would endure over the years.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Kano State, we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, political associates, national assembly and good people of Kano” he stated.
Elder statesman, Tanko Yakassai has described the death of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Late Ghali UmarNa abba as a shocking, painful and irreparable loss.
Yakasai who described the deceased as the “Speakers Speaker”, noted that he would be remembered for so many good things, particularly his firm position on separation of powers, regretting that he passed on at a time when his contributions to democracy were still very relevant
On a personal level, he maintained that the deceased respected and treated both his senior and younger ones with respect and dignity, adding it was this amiable disposition that oiled the bond of friendship between their both families.
He prayed to Allah to forgive him his wrongdoings as well as give the Naaaba family, the people of Kano State and Nigerians in general the fortitude to bear the loss.