On Wednesday, governors and members of the House of Representatives from all political parties described the death of Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu as “painful.”
Akeredolu died on Wednesday, aged 67, following a protracted battle with cancer.
The governors and parliamentarians stated in separate statements that Akeredolu was a “exceptional statesman” who left an indelible mark in public service.
Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Governor of Kwara State, praised Akeredolu’s patriotic spirit.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the Progressives Governors’ Forum, the government and people of Ondo State, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), as well as the immediate family of my dear brother and colleague His Excellency Olurotimi Akeredolu SAN,” AbdulRazaq said.
“A frontline lawyer and conscientious politician of progressive bent, His Excellency would be remembered for his courage, patriotism, and immeasurable contributions to the constitutional and sociopolitical development of Nigeria.
“As painful as his exit is to all of us, we take solace in his fine legacies as a gentleman and statesman. We ask God to repose his soul and look after his family.”
Also, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, expressed grief over the death of Akeredolu, saying it is a big blow to the All Progressives Congress (APC) family.
He said the governor was a champion of the rule of law, democracy and true federalism.
Abbas recalled how the late Akeredolu was one of the leading human rights activists who fought against military rule, leading to the return of democracy in 1999.
He also noted that Akeredolu reached the peak in both his legal and political careers.
The Speaker extended his condolences to the Akeredolu family, the people, and the Government of Ondo State.
He prayed to God to grant Akeredolu eternal rest in paradise.