Wednesday, December 27, 2023, was a black day in South West Nigeria, as the region lost one of its best and true advocate of a new Nigeria where no region dominates the other, a country of fairness, justice, and egalitarian society safe for all to live. This advocate and “Omoluabi” is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the immediate past governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Oludayo Akeredolu popularly called Aketi. The news of his death filtered into Nigeria from Germany, where he was being treated for prostate cancer on the morning of December 27, five days to the 2024 New Year, just as the nation is grappling with the death of the nation’s former Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Ghali Na’Abba, who died in the early hour at National Hospital, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Akeredolu will be remembered for his courage and bravery and fight against injustice even at the risk of being incarcerated. In 2007, Akeredolu confronted the Oyo State Acting Chief Judge in the High Court situated at Ring Road Ibadan, Justice Adeniran Afolabi, describing him as a corrupt officer of the law after the judge quashed the indictment on sundry charges against Adebayo Alao-Akala, the former governor of the state. When Justice Adeniran reminded Akeredolu of his enormous power and that he could charge him with contempt, Akeredolu replied that the penalty of the charge was just three months imprisonment, asking the Chief Judge to sentence him to a jail term, which he was prepared to serve. He added that Agodi prison is not meant for animals but for humans, saying that he also had the power to drag him before NJC where he would be severely sanctioned. Adeniran, who was thrown off balance by Akeredolu’s courage, lost the audacity to jail Akeredolu.
Speaking to power in 2012 in the National Mirror newspaper about the involvement of public officeholders in corruption, Akeredolu said, “All of us are worried. It is because the Nigerian government is not making efforts to fight corruption and it cannot be able to do it. And President Jonathan led government, though not only his government but from former president Obasanjo’s time, they have gloves in hand with those perpetuating corruption. They are hand in hand with those who commit this fraud. The leadership of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party PDP is part of it and that is why it is not easy for them to fight corruption. So many of the former governors who made away with public funds are still there, nothing has happened to them. James Ibori was jailed abroad, why can’t we do this at home? That is part of the problems we are facing. The government is part of the corruption and so it is not easy for them to fight it.”
Akeredolu’s boldness made President Bola Ahmed Tinubu describe him in his tribute as “fearless”, his beloved brother, confidant, and political soulmate. The statement reads:
“It is an impossible task to fully capture in words Rotimi’s towering figure and his human essence. Rotimi was a man who moved our nation towards equity, fairness and justice in his strident advocacy against every form of injustice in our country through the instrumentality of the law as a senior advocate, attorney-general of his beloved state, as President of the Nigerian Bar Association and Governor of Ondo State.
“In a challenging moment of our statehood when marauding agents of darkness spread their tentacles across our country, Rotimi was a strong voice in wilderness calling us to rethink our security architecture so we can have a more secure nation. His unrelenting advocacy led to the birth of the local police in the South West.
“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 over the past six years, he served his people with absolute loyalty, dedication, and forthrightness. His footprints dot the entire landscape of the state through the hundreds of kilometres of roads he built, the many schools 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.
“My personal journey with Rotimi started as joint members of the progressive family. We fought many battles together to restore progressive governance in the South West, Edo State, and Nigeria as a whole. During this uncertain period, Rotimi was resolute and unflinching. He showed uncommon courage as a member of our legal team in our battles to reclaim our stolen mandates in Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, and Osun States. A gallant lawyer and one of the finest of the legal profession. I beckoned on him to contest for the governorship position of Ondo State in 2012. Even though he did not make it in his first attempt, his enthusiasm and determination to serve his people never diminished. He eventually made it to the Alagbaka Government House in his second attempt in the 2016 election, Since he was sworn in in February 2017, he had served the people with devotion.
“Rotimi has played his role well and left us untimely. We will never see his likes again. Let me tell the people of Ondo State that I am grieving with you. We will honour Rotimi’s memory and make sure his legacy of service is never forgotten.
“In my grief and sadness, I have telephoned his wife, Betty, and Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to commiserate with them and urge them to take heart over this national tragedy.
“Governor Akeredolu was not just a friend and associate, the departed leader was a brother and a soulmate.
“His death is a blow to our governing APC and the progressive family as we are diminished by it.”
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Senator Lekan Balogun, in his condolence message, described Akeredolu as “An indefatigable politician and legal icon, and an activist who used both his law profession and politics to fight for the downtrodden.”
According to him, Akeredolu left his feet on the sands of time both as a lawyer, attaining the highest professional honour available in the field and headship of its association, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), adding, “In politics, he proved himself an enigma, winning gubernatorial elections on two different occasions, and but for his untimely death, he would have succeeded in governing his Ondo State for two terms of eight years; that’s not a mean achievement.”
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake depict Akeredolu as an irrepressible fighter, courageous advocate for his people and a quintessential progressive who is always at the forefront of defending his people and fighting for the emancipation of the downtrodden.
His words, “Akeredolu carved a niche for himself as a bold and irrepressible defender of the interests of the Ondo people and the Yoruba nation. His voice resonated across the country as a lodestar in the struggle for the entrenchment of true federalism. As State Governor, he made the welfare of the people the focal point of governance. Nigeria has lost a titan, but we are consoled by the fact that he left an indelible mark in the political establishment. I commiserate with President Bola Tinubu and the good people of Ondo State on this irreparable loss.”
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State described the deceased as a dedicated public servant, calling him “one of the finest minds in the legal profession in Nigeria.”
He said, “I want to say that his wise counsel and constructive contributions will be missed. Nigeria has lost one of its finest. I am shocked and shaking.”
For the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, the late governor described as “A champion of the rule of law, democracy and true federalism”, was one of the brilliant legal minds in the ruling party.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State described Akeredolu as one of the fighters for the cause of the South West region, saying that he and Akeredolu were both at the vanguard of the struggle which led to the establishment of the South-West Security Network, codenamed Amotekun.
Maintaining that Akeredolu’s stance on issues that border on South-West’s regional integration and progress is a lesson for leaders, Makinde stated, in Aketi, South-West has lost a dogged fighter and courageous leader who worked hard for the peace, prosperity and progress of the region.
His words, “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.
On the part of the the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the death of Akeredolu is a colossal loss to the country, the legal world and civil society organisations.
“His days as the president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) brought immense growth to the bar,” the AGF said, adding that the late governor will be sorely missed by the NBA, Body of Benchers, Body of Senior Advocates, Nigeria Governors Forum and Southern Governors Forum.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described Akeredolu as an individual who stood for equity and fairness in the run up to the 2023 presidential election when he was the chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, adding that Akeredolu was a visionary leader with an unwavering dedication to his people and social justice.
Abiodun said: “Akeredolu made an indelible mark on Nigerian politics. From his tenure as the chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association to his role as the chairman of the South West Governors Forum, he continuously championed the cause of justice and the upliftment of his people.
He said, “Known for his tireless efforts to improve the lives of Ondo citizens, Akeredolu spearheaded major initiatives that brought about positive change. Under his leadership, the state witnessed significant advancements in healthcare, infrastructure, and education. His commitment to sustainable development earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and citizens alike. As the nation mourns the loss of a formidable leader, Rotimi Akeredolu’s memory will continue to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come. His legacy of compassion, justice, and progress will endure, forever reminding Nigerians of the transformative power of dedicated leadership. In this time of immense grief, the people of Ondo State must unite, draw strength from their cherished memories of their late governor and resolve to honor his legacy by building upon the foundations he laid, ensuring that his vision for a better and brighter future for Ondo State lives on.”
The Chairman, Ondo State Christian Association of Nigeria( CAN) Rev. Fr. Anselm Ologunwa 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.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje stated that Akeredolu was an exceptional leader.
Ganduje described the death of the former National President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) as a great loss not only to Ondo State but also to the entire country, the progressive family, the legal profession and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“As we reflect on Governor Akeredolu’s remarkable contributions to public service, we remember his unflinching commitment to the principles of democracy, his determination to make a lasting impact on the lives of the people he served, and his undying love for Ondo State and its citizens.
“Throughout his tenure, Governor Akeredolu exhibited exceptional leadership skills, fostering economic growth, implementing critical infrastructure projects, and championing initiatives that enhanced the standard of living for the people of Ondo State. His dedication to ensuring peace, stability, and unity within the state will forever be remembered.
“Governor Akeredolu’s departure leaves a significant void in our political landscape. His absence will be felt by all who had the privilege of working with him, collaborating on projects, or simply experiencing his remarkable leadership firsthand.
“On behalf of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I extend our deepest condolences to the family, the government, the people of Ondo State, friends, and loved ones of Governor Akeredolu. We share in their grief and offer our heartfelt support during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, may they find solace in knowing that his contributions to Ondo State will be forever cherished.
“As we come to terms with this loss, let us honour Governor Akeredolu’s memory by remaining committed to the ideals and principles he held dear. Let us continue to work together, building on his firm foundation and striving for the progress and prosperity of Ondo State.
“Indeed, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s legacy will endure, and his vision for a better Ondo State will never be forgotten.”
Also, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said Akeredolu was a nationalist who believed in true federalism.
Akpabio described the late governor as “a leader that placed the interest of his people above every other consideration”, stating, “He was a man of integrity and strong conviction with a strict work ethos and never paid lip service to the welfare of the people of the state. He was a fearless lawyer who spoke truth to power regardless of whose ox is gored. As governor, Chief Akeredolu left his footprints in the sands of history, executing landmark projects and implementing people-oriented policies that earned him a second term in office. A man of style, Chief Akeredolu was obsessed with excellence.”
Others who mourn Akeredolu are Governor Ahmadu Finitri of Adamawa State, the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Oyo and Ogun States chapters of All Progressives Congress (APC), the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Chairman, Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Senator Sharafadeen Alli, and former Special Adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu,
