Some dignitaries at the 68th posthumous birthday of a former governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, on Friday, said the name of the late governor would never be forgotten due to his courage, legacies and significant impacts he made while alive.
The posthumous birthday was organised by a group named “Friends of Aketi(FoA)” in Ibadan to celebrate the lifetime of the former governor with the production of a book titled ‘The Essential Aketi’.
Speaking at the event, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State said that the former governor used various positions he held as a vehicle for entrenching justice, equity, fairness and fighting for the cause of the downtrodden and the less privileged in the society.
Represented by his deputy, Mr Olaide Adelami, the governor added that the former governor was a true patriot who sought justice for the weakest.
“As Governor of Ondo State, the late governor recorded landmark achievements in the areas of infrastructural development, educational development, employment opportunities, human capital development, improvement in the security architecture of the state, amongst others.
“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.
“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.
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 added that FoA would work together to immortalize the former governor.
The event was attended by the wife of the former governor, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, his children, Deputy Chief of Staff to Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo state on behalf of the governor, first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Folake Solanke, traditional leader and associates of the former governor.
