Dignitaries from all walks of life on Friday paid their last respect to the departed governor of Ondo state, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, as his remains was committed to mother earth in his Owo country home, amidst tears and eulogies.
Leading dignitaries at the funeral service which was held at the St. Andrew’s Cathedral Anglican Church, Imola, Owo,Dignitaries converge at Owo town for Akeredolu’s christian wake-keep was the Vice President, Mallam Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola
Ahmed Tinubu.
Other dignitaries at the burial service include, the Ondo State Governor Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun, Ademola Adeleke of Osun state, Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti state, Charles Soludo of Anambra state, the National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje among others.
In his sermon titled “Life is Brief”, Dean of Church of Nigeria, from Anglican Bishop of Ikwerre, Rivers State, Most Revd Dr. Blessing Enyindah, asked President Tinubu to as a matter of urgency, make meaningful efforts towards revamping the economy to reduce the sufferings of Nigeria and save the country from impending danger.
The cleric who urged President Tinubu to act fast and address the increasing hardship facing Nigerians, stressed the need to do something urgently to address the present situation
He 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 he would 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.”
Enyindah who represented the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Dr. Henry Ndukuba,
emphasised the need to live a good and fulfilling life, noting that Life is brief and full of troubles.
According to the Dean, everyone will finally die and leave a story behind to be told by the people saying that the late Akeredolu made impacts as a lawyer and politician, adding that he impacted the society at large.
“He made impact as a lawyer and as a politician. He made impact in the society at large. He received national honour. He will be missed by his widow, children and grandchildren, political class, Owo, Ondo State and Nigeria at large.” He said.
The Dean urged the government to continue with the legacy of the late Governor which is the drive for massive development in the state.
The Dean also urged the state government to continue with the legacy of the late Governor which is the drive for massive development in the state.
President Bola Tinubu in his remarks said the nation has lost a fearless soldier and unwavering advocate for his people.
In a eulogy filled with both grief and admiration delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President lauded Akeredolu’s indomitable legacy of national service.
He said:”As we gather here today, we are confronted with one inexorable truth: seasons come and seasons go, much like the ebb and flow of our lives, and each of us shall go with the tides one after the other.
“We are also reminded that in this transient journey through life, we are but whispers in the wind. The parts of us that endure after we get to the end of our journey are the choices we make, and this moment is the ultimate confirmation of the noble paths trodden by our dear brother,” the President said.
President Tinubu traced Akeredolu’s journey, from his distinguished legal career to his pivotal role as Governor of Ondo State. He praised his vast intelligence and the profound impact of his leadership.
He said “There was no point in life where his voice shook in telling his truth. He was a vastly intelligent man whose passion has created quite a wide vacuum beyond this community.”
The President emphasised Akeredolu’s commitment to serving through democratic means, stating that “he recognised that the most pragmatic path to serving humanity is to present ourselves willingly to be chosen by the people.”
In her tributes, the wife of late Akeredolu, Mrs Betty Anyanwu- Akeredolu, said “You just left me, just like that. It hurts, badly it hurts. Now alone to face all manners of mockery from the so-called friends and adversaries alike.
“That love at first sight turned out to be true and pure. And you were proud to say it.You were proud to show it. You were even prouder to tell the people of Ondo State and beyond that we were a team.
“You were audacious to tell your people that “you voted for one but got two”. A testimony of my positive contribution to your life and career, emotionally and intellectually.
“”We differed on one aspect, though. Religion. Your were religious and wore your faith on your sleeves. I’m not. With no apologies. You were frustrated. Yet, we managed to work it out by harnessing our communication skills.
“You came to terms with my position on religion and respected my choice of pragmatism. And a peaceful home we built by respecting each other’s idiosyncrasies, supporting each other’s career pathways and loving each other at the same time. That you were courageous and fearless are now like a radio jingle on the lips of all and sundry.
“As a partner, you were kind and playful but annoying sometimes with your jokes which became normal over the years, given that trying to change you from cracking expensive jokes was an exercise in futility.
“During our early years of marriage when we started from the scratch, you made sure we didn’t lack. You took care of me and the children. With time, you became the best husband, dad and grandpa any wife, child or grandchild would wish for. We were soul mates. If there is anything like another life, I will marry you and you remain Darlin’mi”
Other dignitaries at the burial service also include, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, represented by Supreme Court Justice, Justice Hellen Ogunwumiju.
Other dignitaries at the service included: Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri; Edo State Governor, Godswin Obaseki; Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; Anambra state Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo; Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia; Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah; and Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, represented by his deputy, Salifu Joel Oyibo.
Others are former Governors: Dr. Olusegun Mimiko; Chief Niyi Adebayo; Dr. John Kayode Fayemi and his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Alhaji Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari; Senator Gbenga Daniel; Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Senator Chris Ngige; among others.
Members of the Federal Executive Council were led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Also at the Church service were Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; members of the state House of Assembly; Ondo State Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola; and other Judges in the state; members of the National Assembly including Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire; Senator Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele; Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) among others.
Others were; Leadership of the Nigeria Bar Association; Senior Advocate of Nigeria including the late Akeredolu’s partner, Akin Olujinmi; the leader of Synagogue Church of All Nations, Pastor Evelyn Joshua; members of the State Executive Council under the late Governor, led by former Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; Primate of the Church of Nigeria, represented by the Dean, Most Rev’d Dr. Blessing Enyindah, Anglican Bishop of Akure Diocese and Archbishop of Ondo Ecclesiastical Province, Most Reverend Simeon Borokini; among others
