By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has commiserated with the people of Ondo State, over the passing of their Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu.
He also sympathised with the immediate family of the late Akeredolu, describing his death as a great loss to Ondo State in general, the entire family in particular.
Oyetola, in a statement from the Minister’s media office, signed on Wednesday, by Ismail Omipidan, described the late Akeredolu as a devout Christian, a foremost lawyer and politician who served the people of Ondo diligently and selflessly.
Oyetola, who was the Chairman of the Contact and Mobilisation Committee of Ondo APC National Campaign Council for the re-election of Akeredolu, noted that, “We saw the Ore bridge built by him and several other roads. The Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub, Ore, and the Deep Sea Port were some of Akeredolu’s projects that were meant to secure the future for generations yet unborn in Ondo State.
”I received with great shock the passing of my late brother and colleague, Governor Akeredolu. We can’t question God. But I want the family especially to be consoled by the fact that he lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
“His death is no doubt a heavy loss to the family and the people of Ondo State and the APC family in Nigeria. The Lord will comfort the family and the people of Ondo State.
“My deep condolences go to the entire APC family in Nigeria. I pray God grant him eternal rest and give us all the courage and fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.”
Meanwhile, former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola described the death of Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu as a big loss to Nigeria.
Oyinlola in a condolence message he issued described Akeredolu as a man who was very transparent in his dealings with people and who was decisive in taking positions, without any ambiguity on public issues.
“The news of Aketi’s death was received by me with utter sadness. He was a very valuable compatriot who gave his very best to the service of, not just his Ondo State people, but more significantly the people of the South West and the nation in general.
“At the personal level, Aketi was more than a friend to me. Although we belonged to different political parties and tendencies, Akeredolu never, for once, allowed that fact to intrude into his friendly relationship with me. He evolved over the years to become a brother and a confidant on matters that concerned the Nigerian state.
“Aketi lived well as a Nigerian leader and patriot. There was no ambiguity in his ways. He never left anyone in doubt on where he stood when it was necessary to take a position.
“It is eternally to the credit of Aketi that as the chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum, he spoke out clearly as a leader against bandits in Yoruba forests. He took a position on the side of the people at a time when it was politically risky to speak out.
“Our people will be grateful to him forever for joining hands with his brother governors to establish the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun) which decisively chased marauders out of the states of the zone.
“Our departed colleague and friend gave his best to Ondo State, to Yorubaland and to Nigeria. His death has robbed us of a friend and brother; his transition has made our country poorer.
“While we mourn the departure of this great Nigerian, we pray God to grant his soul eternal rest and give the family, friends and associates he left behind the fortitude to bear this huge loss,” Oyinlola prayed.