As family, friends and political associates gathered to mark the first anniversary of the death of former governor of Ondo state, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, his successor, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has described him as a courageous leader and an unrepentant advocate of good governance.
Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu was governor of Ondo state, from February 24, 2017 until his passing on December 27, 2023.
Speaking at the one-year remembrance service, held at St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Owo on Friday, the governor, represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami said Arakunrin Akeredolu is being remembered for the immense role he played in the advancement of democratic ideals.
The governor noted that the programmes and activities designed for the one year remembrance were in appreciation for what the late governor stood for.
He said, “This one year remembrance is not a jamboree but a sincere and genuine desire to immortalise our dear Arakunrin for what he stood for and for his numerous contributions to the development of our dear state and the country as a whole.
“We will continue to remember him for being at the forefront and for rallying his brother governors to institutionalize the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, a homegrown security outfit that is currently doing a tremendous job at combating insecurity in our land. This is in addition to other laudable infrastructural initiatives midwifed by our late leader”, the governor paid a glowing tribute to his late boss.
The memorial service was presided over by the Bishop of Owo Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd. Stephen Fagbemi, assisted by the Bishop of Ose, Rt.Revd. Adegoke Agara; the Bishop of Irele, Rt Revd. Joshua Oyinlola and Rt Revd. Olusola Ajayi of Ekiti Diocese and also had the former governor of Ekiti state, Kayode Fayemi and his wife in attendance.
In his sermon, Bishop Fagbemi said Arakunrin Akeredolu, who until his death was the Chancellor of Owo Diocese Anglican Communion, lived a purposeful life which revered God, worked for the church of God and impacted humanity.
“As a politician, Arakunrin Akeredolu was committed to the cause of his people. He never failed to use what he had to satisfy the people. He did not fail on his promises to the people”, the Bishop eulogized late Akeredolu.
The traditional institution was also represented at the remembrance service, including the Oliyere of Iyere, Oba Alaba Adako, who led chiefs from his domain to the service while the Oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the Ojomoluda of Owo were represented by chiefs from their respective kingdoms.
Other dignitaries included Hon justice Moronkeji Ogunwumiju of the Supreme Court, former minister of state for transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye and cabinet members of the late governor.
The congregation at the service joined the widow of the former governor, Betty Akeredolu, the children, and siblings of the late governor in a special thanksgiving possession.
At a separate event in Owo, a book titled; The Life and Times of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu written by Wale Okediran with a foreword by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, was launched as part of events to mark the one year anniversary of Akeredolu’s death.
John Paul Akinduro,
Press Secretary to Ondo State Governor
(Office of the Deputy Governor)
December 27, 2024