••• As ‘Friends of Aketi’ Eulogize Late Governor’s Virtues
•By Oyeniyi Awojoodu, Ibadan
Friends of the former governor of Ondo state, Rotimi Akeredolu organized 68th posthumous birthday for the late elderstateman, describing him as a governor with a track record.
The event which was organized by the ‘Friends of Aketi’ (FoA) had in attendance dignitaries from all works of life.
The the event that was held in Ibadan, Oyo state Capital also featured a book launch which x-rayed the lifetime of the late Governor.
The book titled ‘The Essential Aketi’ was launched by Oba Adewale Osiberu, the Elepe of Epe, Sagamu.
‘Friend of Aketi’ in their tributes noted that the late Governor would never be forgotten due to his bravery, intelligent, courage, legacies and significant impacts he made while alive.
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“His collaboration with other SouthWest Governors culminated in the establishment of the Western Nigeria Security Network(WNSN) codenamed ‘Amotekun Corps’ which has remained a monumental and an indelible achievement that has become a reference point for other regions across Nigeria.
“It is not an overstatement to say that the positive contributions and impacts of the Amotekun Corps have led to the reduction of criminality in the South West.
“He would not only be missed by his family, people of Ondo State and the southwest but the entire country because of his submission and strong conviction on national discourse, “he said.
Aiyedatiwa reiterated that the former governor was a courageous and forthright leader who spoke truth to power at critical times in Nigeria even to his own detriment and never afraid to say his mind on critical national issues.
“His commitment to the entrenchment of justice, equity and the Rule of Law was undeniable even in the face of adversity, political affiliation and interests.
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“He put the interest of the people of the south west above his own personal interest. It is unfortunate that he is no longer with us, but his memory lives on in our hearts because of his enduring legacies which we are quite proud to sustain and build upon, “he said.
Governor Makinde in his tribute delivered by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon Fola Oyekunle said, “Governor Seyi Makinde, said “the late Akeredolu left an indelible mark in the south west states and Nigeria as a whole particularly in the areas of security and human development.
“His visionary leadership and administrative acumen transformed Ondo State and its impact resonated beyond the state borders. As a resident of Oyo state, governor Akeredolu’s influence was deeply felt, his philanthropic gestures and commitment to the wellbeing of others touched countless lives earning him the respect and admiration of many.
“We remember governor Akeredolu’s unwavering dedication to the people of Ondo State and his unrelated pursuit of peace, prosperity and progress. His legacy continues to inspire us and we honor his memory by striving to build on the foundation he laid. He came , he saw and he conquered ,” he concluded.
Earlier, the Chairman of FoA Steering Committee, Oba Adewale Osiberu, the Elepe of Epe, Sagamu, Ogun State, said that the book produced in honour of the former governor was a special compilation on his lifetime, interviews and speeches that would make readers of the book to remember him.
He maintained that FoA would work together to immortalize the former governor.
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The event was attended by the wife of the former governor, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, his children, Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde who was ably represented at the event by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon Fola Ouekunle, First female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Folake Solanke, The Orangun of Oke – Ila Oba Dr Adedokun Abolarin, some other traditional rulers, associates of the former governor, among others.