President Bola Tinubu has, eulogised the departed Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, describing him as a fearless fighter, brother, confidant and political soul mate.
Akeredolu, aged 67, died on yesterday morning, after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer, the state government confirmed.
In a personally signed statement yesterday expressing his grief on the passing of the Governor, Tinubu said, “Today, I mourn a fighter and fearless defender of truth and the masses…brother, confidant, political soul mate, and the Executive Governor of Ondo State.
“Rotimi was a man of ideas and action. While he was with us, he taught us the power of action and service. In Ondo State, where he had the honour to serve as the governor over the past six years, he served his people with absolute loyalty, dedication, and forthrightness”, said the President.
The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, announced the governor’s death in a statement, saying, “Mr. Governor peacefully departed from this world in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 27, 2023”.
In his tribute, titled: “I mourn my fearless brother, Rotimi Akeredolu’, Tinubu said: “Rotimi has played his role well and left us untimely. We will never see his likes again. Let me tell the people of Ondo State that I am grieving with you. We will honour Rotimi’s memory and make sure his legacy of service is never forgotten.
“Governor Akeredolu was not just a friend and associate, the departed leader was a brother and a soul mate. His death is a blow to our governing APC and the progressive family as we are diminished by it.
“I hope that his successor, Aiyedatiwa, will hold steadfast to the vision of governance left by this towering political leader”.
