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Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, who died in office in December 2023, was on Friday interred at his home in Owo in Owo local government area amid pomp.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, led dignitaries including host Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde, Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Ogun counterpart, Dapo Abiodun, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, and Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti as well as ministers to the funeral.
The Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, was represented by a Supreme Court Justice, Justice Hellen Ogunwumiju.
The Executive and members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) of which he was president also attended the event.
Other dignitaries included: Bayelsa Gov. Douye Diri, Edo Gov. Godswin Obaseki; Delta’s Sheriff Oborevwori, Anambra Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo; Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia; Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah and Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, represented by his deputy, Salifu Joel Oyibo.
Others are former Governors: Dr. Olusegun Mimiko; Chief Niyi Adebayo; Dr. John Kayode Fayemi and his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Alhaji Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari; Senator Gbenga Daniel; Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Senator Chris Ngige; among others.
Persecondnews reports that the funeral service was held at St. Andrew’s Cathedral Anglican Church, Imola, Owo, the home of the first Executive Governor of old Ondo State, the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin.
Tinubu said the nation had lost a fearless soldier and unwavering advocate.
In an eulogy Tinubu said:”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.”
The President traced Akeredolu’s journey, from his distinguished legal career to his pivotal role as governor of Ondo State and lauded his vast intelligence and profound impact of his leadership.
“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.”
Tinubu pointed out Akeredolu’s commitment to service through democratic means, saying he recognized that the most pragmatic path to serving humanity is to present ourselves willingly to be chosen by the people.
The Dean of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, from Bishop of Ikwerre, Rivers State, Most Revd (Dr) Blessing Enyindah, in his sermon titled “Life is Brief”, urged Tinubu to as a matter of urgency, take steps to revamp the economy to address the sufferings of the people.
“President Tinubu should act fast and address the increasing hardship facing Nigerians. There is a need to do something urgently to address the present situation
“May I on behalf of Nigerians pray and call on the President, Senator Bola Tinubu to do something to reduce the hardship faced by Nigerians.”
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