ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, expressing the profound grief he feels over his untimely departure.
Describing him as his beloved brother and political ally, Tinubu said it was difficulty of pen a tribute, especially for a younger soul and emphasized the challenging task of bidding farewell to a figure as dynamic as former Governor of Ondo State.
Tinubu also described the late Governor as a man who tirelessly advocated for equity, fairness, and justice through various roles, including senior advocate, attorney general, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, and ultimately as the Governor of Ondo State.
He said Rotimi’s legacy includes strident efforts to combat injustice in the nation’s legal system.
“Rotimi was a man of ideas and action. While he was with us, he taught us the power of action and service. In Ondo State where he had the honour to serve as the Governor in the last six years, he served his people with absolute loyalty, dedication and forthrightness.
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“His footprints dot the entire landscape in the hundreds of kilometres of roads he built, the many school he built and healthcare facilities that he provided. During the dark hours when marauding agents of darkness visited the state and killed defenceless citizens where 40 worshippers of the Catholic Church of Owo were killed on June 5, 2022, Rotimi’s leadership qualities as a true statesman and compassionate leader radiated brightly to the world.
“He was a mourner-in-chief who guided his people through an agonising period. Today, I MOURN a fighter and fearless defender of truth and the masses.”
President Tinubu extends his condolences to the people of Ondo State, pledging to honor Rotimi’s memory and ensure that his legacy of service is never forgotten.
He also reached out to Rotimi’s wife, Betty, and Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, urging them to find strength in the face of this national tragedy.
The passing of Governor Akeredolu is not only a personal loss to President Tinubu but also a blow to the governing APC and the progressive family, as the nation mourns the departure of a fearless defender of truth and the masses, he said.
Tqll,<,l1inubu expresses hope that Aiyedatiwa, the successor, will steadfastly uphold the vision of governance left by this towering political leader.