Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State says the lifetime of his former boss, Late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, shows how sacrifice and heroism could foster course of history.
Aiyedatiwa stated this on Wednesday at the lying-in-state and commendation service for the late governor at the Akure township stadium.
The governor said the true meaning of life well spent had always been about the impact of man’s life on human civilisation.
He said that Akeredolu took risk in service of a greater goal for his people, citing the instance of herders/farmers clash and other security issues, “where the man speaks truth to power.”
“He, without fear took an unusual sacrifice that many considered a suicide mission. He raised his voice high to the roof to speak truth to power.
“He condemned inequality, complacency, divisiveness and double standards. He asked for the supremacy of rule of law. He asked for fairness, love and true nationalism.
“He faced the troubling issues of the times with the candour of a statesman. He not only condemned indolence of thought, he proffered solutions that guaranteed peace.
“He did not only talk, he walked his talk.
“He advocated for a new thinking, a new action and a new direction.
“He took these risks against bigger powers whose might is determinate and final. He took a great risk at the peak of his re-election attempt.
“How can we forget his clear posture and position on the very constitutional matter of true federalism,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa condoled with the wife of the former governor, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the children and family for the loss.
”To the Akeredolu family, we thank you for giving us a great gift of ‘Aketi eternal’.
“To Owo, thank you for giving us a man of honour and culture.
“To the legal profession, thank you for nurturing and producing a mind of learning and culture,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, who is also the Chairman of Governors Forum and his counterpart from Bayelsa, Gov. Douye Diri were present at the event.
Also, a former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko and some political appointees of the late governor were present at the occasion.
