Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has expressed sadness over the death of Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN.
Makinde, in a statement signed by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, and made available on Wednesday, stated that the death of the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is a sad loss to Yorubaland and Nigeria.
He expressed his heartfelt condolences to his wife, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the entire family, and the government and people of Ondo State.
Describing Akeredolu, who until his death was the chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, as a dogged and courageous leader, the Oyo State governor said Aketi, as he was fondly called, worked hard with his fellow governors for the peace, prosperity, and progress of South-West states.
He said: “I received with great sadness the news of the death of my brother, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, the governor of Ondo State and chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum.
“I condole with his wife and children, as well as the government and people of Ondo State, over this sad loss. In Aketi, South-West has lost a dogged fighter and courageous leader who worked hard for the peace, prosperity, and progress of the region.
“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 the South-West’s regional integration and progress is a lesson for leaders. He will be sorely missed.
“Rest well, my dear brother, and may the good Lord be with everyone you left behind.”
