Tinubu, governors, other dignitaries present as Akeredolu is laid to rest

Akeredolu

President Bola Tinubu, represented by his Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday joined and other eminent to bid farewell to the immediate past Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN).

The funeral service, held at the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew, Owo, Ondo State, was also attended by the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq (Kwara), governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Charles Soludo (Anambra), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Godwin Obaseki (Edo) and Ademola Adeleke (Osun), among others.

Other dignitaries at the funeral were the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Ondo State Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami, former governors Segun Mimiko, Ibikunle Amosun, Niyi Adebayo, Kayode Fayemi, Chris Ngige, Abdul’aziz Yari; former deputy governors, members of the federal and state cabinets, as well as members of the National and State Assemblies, among others.

The funeral service for the late Akeredolu, who was the Chancellor of the Diocese of Owo (Anglican Communion), was also attended by hundreds of Anglican and other denominational bishops and priests, religious leaders, traditional rulers, judges, lawyers, former and present public office holders, politicians and captains of industry.

The widow and former First Lady of Ondo State, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and her children, as well as family and friends of the deceased and the people of Owo community and Ondo State expressed their grief in different way at rge church.

Speaking at the service, Tinubu, represented by Shettima, said Akeredolu would be remembered for the sacrifice he made and for leaving an indelible footprint.

“Today is not only a day of mourning; today is a day of remembrance, a day of celebration of life to God and humanity. Today is a day to pay our respects. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu served passionately. He served human beings to the best of his abilities,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa in his address described Akeredolu as a great man, courageous leader and fighter with integrity, who stood for good governance and the rule of law.

Sanwo-Olu had earlier mourned the passing of Akeredolu, describing his death as a colossal loss to the country and Ondo State in particular.

Sanwo-Olu in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said Akeredolu would be greatly missed for his positive impacts in Ondo State, South-West and Nigeria as a whole.

Akeredolu, who was the immediate past Governor of Ondo State, died on December 27, 2023, at the age of 67 at a hospital in Germany hospital, where he was receiving treatment on December 27, 2023.