The leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, on Tuesday, paid a condolence visit to the widow of the late governor of Ondo State, Mrs Becky Akeredolu, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, describing the deceased as a Nigerian progressive star.
He disclosed that he took the decision to lead the delegation because of what Akeredolu stood for during his lifetime.
Adebanjo recalled that Akeredolu was bold and courageous as he doggedly fought the highly-dreaded Fulani herdsmen to a standstill in the South-West.
He stated: ‘I am here not because he (Akeredolu) was the governor of Ondo State, but because of what he stood for. He was a patriot, great nationalist and somebody who believed in what he says particularly in the case of the invasion of the Fulani herdsmen in the South-West.
“He stood firm by calling a spade a spade, as he insisted that Fulani herdsmen must get out of the forest where they hibernated. Akeredolu stood firm despite the support that herders were getting from the Buhari-led administration. That is my man. Rotimi was fantastic, courageous; a courageous son of Oduduwa. He was a star of the Nigerian progressives.
Responding on behalf of the family, Professor Akeredolu thanked Adebanjo and the entire members of Afenifere for commiserating with the family in their moment of grief.
He said nobody expected the death of Akeredolu now, but God knows best, adding that the good news about his death are the testimonies of the people, adding “This has kept us going.”
Also, Labour Party standard-bearer in the last presidential election, Mr Peter Obi, has described Akeredolu as a dogged fighter and a principled leader.
Obi, who paid a condolence visit to the Akeredolus in their Jericho home in Ibadan, in company of Professor Pat Utomi, prayed to God to grant the family, the Ondo State people and the entire country the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
In his remark in the condolence register, Obi wrote: May God Almighty who called you home grant you eternal rest in His kingdom and grant your family and all of us the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. God Almighty bless your family.”
