The Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has expressed sadness over the death of Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN.
Describing his demise as a loss to Yorubaland and Nigeria in a statement made available by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaiman Olanrewaju, Makinde expressed his heartfelt condolences to his wife, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the entire family, and the Government and people of Ondo State.
Makinde, who noted that Akeredolu, until his death, was the chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, also commended his attributes as a dogged and courageous leader.
The Oyo State governor said Aketi, as he was fondly called, worked hard with his colleague 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, 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 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.”
