South Western governors, under the banner of the South West Governors’ Forum, have resolved in ABEOKUTA to work hand in hand with the family of the late Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, for a befitting burial.
During a condolence visit to the Akeredolu family home in Ibadan, Oyo State on Friday, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, disclosed this information. He was joined by his counterparts from Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, and Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji. Governor Seyi Makinde was represented by his Deputy, Bayo Lawal.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Abiodun portrayed the deceased as a steadfast, reliable, and predictable individual who consistently voiced his thoughts on various issues, regardless of their controversial nature.
Abiodun stated that the departed Akeredolu was a fearless and brave individual who ardently advocated for and championed the cause of a southern presidency, actively contributing to its advancement.
‘He will call a spade a spade. He played a key role in the birth or rebirth of the Southern Governors’ Forum, which he was the Chairman until he passed away.’
‘The Southern Governors’ Forum took that position (on Southern presidency), led by him. He was a leader to all of us who gathered here today. He will be sorely missed.’
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‘We commiserate with you. We humbly request that you consider this as a joint responsibility of all of us. We will want to be a part of whatever plans the family will be implementing towards sending him forth.’
‘We will like to put a committee together that will have representatives from each of our states to work alongside the Ondo State government and the family in ensuring that we give our leader, a befitting burial,’ Abiodun said.
Governor Abiodun, in a later interview, stated that the governors’ visit was an act of solidarity, intending to show support to the Akeredolus in the midst of this challenging moment.
Governor Abiodun said: ‘We are here on behalf of our families, the entire government and people of our various states to commiserate with the family and people of Ondo State. Our prayer is that the Almighty God will forgive all his sins and grant the repose of his soul.’
‘We also pray that God will grant his wife, children, his family members, and the people of Ondo State the heart to bear this very bad, shocking and painful exit.’