Family and friends of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Friday boycotted the firt memorial lecture organised by the state government for his first-year remembrance.
Instead, they gathered in Owo, Ondo State to celebrate the late governor’s legacies with church service and commissioning of mausoleum after a book launch in his honour.
Thefrontrank reports that the lecture was in commemoration of Akeredolu who died on December 27, 2023 almost three years into his second term as the Governor of the state.
Akeredolu’s widow, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu had denounced the state government organised lecture, describing it as fraudulent, and “Yahoo and 419 lecture”.
Thefrontrank reports that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was an estranged Deputy Governor to Akeredolu until his death on December 27, 2023.
The Ondo State organised lecture held at the Dome in Akure, had in attendance mainly the political appointees of Governor Aiyedatiwa and the All Progressives Congress chieftains in the state.
Also in attendance were Mr Femi Falana, SAN and some Afenifere leaders including Chief Sehinde Arogbofa.
Speaking at the occasion, Aiyedatiwa described the day as one filled with mixed feelings.
“Today, we gather on the threshold of history, with mixed feelings, in commemoration of the first anniversary of the glorious but painful exit of our leader and mentor, the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.
“On that unforgettable day, 27th December 2023, mountains moved and the earth shook at the loss of the icon and courageous statesman who emptied himself in service to our dear Sunshine State and humanity.
“Arakunrin Akeredolu was that courageous leader who spoke truth to power and fought for the advancement of democracy and the Rule of Law. His leadership was marked by integrity, transparency, and a deep understanding of the needs of our people.
“He fought gallantly alongside his colleague governors in the Southwest to establish the Amotekun Corps, a home-grown security outfit that has become a reference point in Nigeria,” Aiyedatiwa noted.
He praised the late governor’s impacts on the state’s fortunes through landmark achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic development.
The keynote speaker, Falana extolled Akeredolu’s courage and commitment to justice, recounting how he challenged institutional failings during his lifetime.
“Akeredolu was a very courageous man. Even before judges, he was not afraid to call out wrongdoings. He was instrumental to the development of the people, whether as a student leader or as a governor.
“His boldness in establishing the Amotekun Corps, even when it meant defying the Federal Government, is proof of his determination to protect his people,” he remarked.
Falana noted that Akeredolu’s establishment of Amotekun has made Ondo State a reference point in security matters across Nigeria.
“Today, all 36 state governors have come together to approve state police, but it was Akeredolu who laid the groundwork by enacting the law that legitimized Amotekun. That singular action has made Ondo State the most peaceful state in Nigeria,” he said.
He emphasized the need for holistic reforms to tackle insecurity, pointing out that poverty and unemployment are major drivers of crime.
Falana highlighted the importance of preserving Akeredolu’s legacy, saying: “The greatest tribute to Akeredolu is the sustainability of his legacy. He showed us what leadership looks like, and it is now up to us to carry it forward,” he said.
In his remarks, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, Afenifere leader and chairman of the occasion, praised Akeredolu for his boldness in prioritizing the security and development of Ondo State.
Arogbofa commended Aiyedatiwa for sustaining the Amotekun initiative and called for continued efforts to deepen Akeredolu’s vision.
