President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Friday, led the nation in bidding farewell to former Ondo state governor, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, describing him as a “fearless soldier” and “unwavering advocate” for his people.
In a eulogy filled with grief and admiration at the St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Imola Street, Owo, Ondo state, President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, lauded Akeredolu’s “indomitable legacy of national service.”
“We are gathered here today to bid farewell to a remarkable soul, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON,” the president began, reflecting on the transience of life and the enduring impact of our choices.
He lauded Akeredolu’s courage, dedication, and his unwavering stance as “a fearless soldier for his people.”
“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,” Tinubu added.
The president traced Akeredolu’s journey from his distinguished legal career to his pivotal role as governor of Ondo state and praised his vast intelligence and the profound impact of his leadership, noting: “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.”
He commended his “strength of character and conviction”, acknowledging the sacrifices he made to serve his community.
While acknowledging the grief of the nation, President Tinubu emphasised that this day was not just about mourning as it was “a day of remembrance, a day to pay our respects, a day to reflect on the fact that our friend and brother served humanity to the best of his abilities.”
In his words at valedictory service for Akeredolu, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in an emotional voice, appreciated the former governor as a courageous leader per excellence.
He noted that their relationship was cordial, robust and trust that led to his present position as governor of the state while appreciating the support of the presidency, state governors, party members and families at giving his former leader a befitting burial.
In his sermon at the service, the Primate of Anglican Church of Nigeria, Most Rev Chukwudum Ndukuba, represented by Dean Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Rev Dr. Blessing Enyudah, stated that the life of a man is like a shadow, quoting from Psalms 39:4-5.
Present at the church service were national chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, represented by Justice Hellen Ogunwumiju, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, other National Assembly members, Governors Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of Ekiti state, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Prof. Charles Soludo of Anambra, diplomats, party members, families and friends of the late governor.
