Akeredolu Buried In Country Home

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, described the former Governor, Ondo State, the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as a “fearless soldier” and “unwavering advocate” for his people.

Lauding the what he described as the “indomitable legacy of national service” of Akeredolu, President Tinubu said: “We are gathered here today to bid farewell to a remarkable soul, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON,” the President began, reflecting on the transience of life and the enduring impact of our choices. He lauded Akeredolu’s courage, dedication, and his unwavering stance as “a fearless soldier for his people.

“As we gather here today, we are confronted with one inexorable truth: seasons come and seasons go, much like the ebb and flow of our lives, and each of us shall go with the tides one after the other.

“We are also reminded that in this transient journey through life, we are but whispers in the wind. The parts of us that endure after we get to the end of our journey are the choices we make, and this moment is the ultimate confirmation of the noble paths trodden by our dear brother.”

The President, therefore, commended the late Akeredolu’s”strength of character and conviction” as well as the sacrifices he made to serve his people.

He said: “Today is a day of remembrance, a day to pay our respects, a day to reflect on the fact that our friend and brother served humanity to the best of his abilities.

He urged the nation to cherish Akeredolu’s memory and the indomitable legacy he leaves behind and noted that the “memories we hold dear will be a source of comfort in these difficult times.”

However, in his sermon, Bishop of Anglican of Ikwerre, Rivers State who represented the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Rev. Dr. Henry Ndukuba, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to heed the voice of the people by taking all necessary actions to ameliorate the suffering of the people.

He said the time is ticking and that he should do the right thing at quickly.

According to him, “We have the hope he would do it because he promised us renewed hope and according to him, it’s his turn.

“So, the turn and opportunity have been given to him now. We are waiting and expecting the fulfillment of the renewed hope.
“We plead with him to do it fast because time, that is four or eight years as the case may be, is brief and the time is running.”

Meanwhile, the bishop described the late Akeredolu as someone who didn’t see life as something serious and a self-disciplined personality.

He said: “His reason for imbibing the principle of self-discipline is because of his understanding of the brevity of life.

Delivering the sermon, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Rev. Dr. Henry Ndukuba described the late Akeredolu as someone who didn’t see life as something serious and a self-disciplined personality.

He said: “His reason for imbibing the principle of self-discipline is because of his understanding of the brevity of life.

The widow of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Betty, in her poetic tribute rued the sudden departure of her hubby.

The poetic ribute entitled: “Tribute To My Love, Aketi” reads inter alia:
“Darlin,… It’s me, your adorable Betty. You just left me. Just like that! It hurts Badly it hurts Now alone to face all manners of mockery From the so-called friends and adversaries alike. Not a few lashed out that you were a weakling because you loved me.

“A beg o! Can an Amotekun generalssimo be a weakling? Mbanuu! It doesn’t add up nau. Haba! By the way, do they know what love is?

“I don’t think so In their homes while growing up they saw their mothers trampled upon as doormats.

“Beaten up like punchbags. They copied the template and treated their wives as pieces of furniture that can be easily discarded as trash. And in many instances the subjugation was garnished with beatings while the community looked the other way and remained unperturbed as gender-based violence reigned supreme nationwide. In civilised climes, if you beat your wife, jail awaits you even if you are a Governor.

“They marvel that a Nigerian man can love his wife.

“To them na only Oyibo man dey love.They are infuriated that a Yoruba man can love his wife who is Igbo. How can? Igbo Jasan, lasan!

“To them na only Oyibo man dey love. Na love at first sight brought us together, biko. No be juju!

“Na love make me cross the Niger. That love at first sight turned out to be true and pure. And you were proud to say it. You were proud to show it

“You were even prouder to tell the people of Ondo State and beyond that we were a team. You were audacious to tell your people that “you voted for one but got two”.

“A testimony of My positive contribution to your life and career, emotionally and intellectually.

“We differed on one aspect, though. Religion. Your were religious and wore your faith on your sleeves. I’m not. With no apologies. You were frustrated. Yet, we managed to work it out by harnessing our communication skills.

“You came to terms with my position on religion and respected my choice of pragmatism. And a peaceful home we built by respecting each other’s idiosyncrasies, supporting each other’s career pathways and loving each other at the same time. That you were courageous and fearless are now like a radio jingle on the lips of all and sundry.

“As a partner, you were kind and playful but annoying sometimes with your jokes which became normal over the years given that trying to change you from cracking expensive jokes was an exercise in futility.

“During our early years of marriage when we started from the scratch, you made sure we didn’t lack. You took care of me and the children. With time, you became the best husband, dad and grandpa any wife, child or grandchild would wish for.”

In his address , Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa emotionally said he would never forget his boss, the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, in his lifetime

He said: “You are all here because he stood for something: good governance and the rule of law. He means a lot to different people, and that is why he has been described in different words. He was a courageous leader, a fighter, and a warrior. How can we forget him so soon? It is not possible because he lives on.

“He used the instrument of governance to intervene in different sectors of the state, including education, health services, and infrastructural development, among others.

“Sometimes we wonder how he decided to leave us so soon. Why can’t God give him more years to still stay with us? A real husband to the wife, a real father to the children, a leader and governor for the state for many years, and loyal friends to all of you. Why did God take him home so soon?

“They say good people don’t live for too long; I think he is one of them. For me, I cannot forget him so soon because we share a lot together. How can I forget those political, physical, and dusty roads that we have travelled together since 2012?

“As his political associate, friend, and one-time Director-General of his campaign, Ilaje/Ese-Odo federal constituency, as Deputy Governor nominee, Deputy Governor elected, and Acting Governor whenever he travelled, and now he has made me a governor even in death. How can I forget? “

The Bishop of Anglican Diocese, Bishop Stephen Fagbemi said the late Akeredolu’s was the Chancellor of the Diocese.

He recalled some of the contributions of the late Governor to the church while alive

“Akeredolu lives on in our hearts.
“He used his time to touch lives in different areas of the economy.”

The Bishop, therefore, announced that the church has posthumously conferred on the late governor the Jagunmolu of Owo Diocese in appreciation of his contributions to the the church and people of Ondo state and Nigeria.

All governors from Southwest states were present at the burial service.