South- west governors, others laud Akeredolu at 68th posthumous birthday
Edema berates Aiyedatiwa for not immortalising ex- gov
PFrom Seye Olumide ( Ibadan) and Adewale Momoh ( Akure) ROMINENT Nigerians, including Governors Seyi Makinde ( Oyo), Abiodun Oyebanji ( Ekiti) and Lucky Aiyedatiwa ( Ondo); the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi; Elepe of Epe, Sagamu, Oba Wale Osiberu; Orangun of Oke Ila, Oba Adedokun Afolayan; Nigeria's first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria ( SAN), Folake Solanke, among other top dignitaries, have poured encomiums on the virtue and glowing legacies of the former governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu.
The dignitaries in their remarks during the 68th post- humous birthday celebrations organised by Friends of Aketi for the late legal luminary and former Chairman, Southern
Governors Forum of Nigeria, also said they missed the late former governor for his virtues, values and particularly his humour and boldness.
There was also a public presentation of a book written in honour of the late governor, entitled: "The Essential Aketi."
Makinde, who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Fola Oyekunle, said the late Akeredolu leadership role in driving other governors in the Southwest birthed the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Operation Amotekun, in the face of heightened insecurity in the region.
Also, in their separate remarks, Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Olayide
Adelami; as well Oyebanji, represented by Taiwo Olatubosun, also lauded the former NBA President for his various feats and legacies, which they said, remained a huge motivation for the region.
Solanke, who described herself as the professional mother of the late Akeredole, said that her first encounter with Akeredolu didn't leave any doubt in her as to if he ( Akeredolu) would succeed in the profession or not.
She said she kept monitoring the late governor's career progression until his death.
Other speakers, including President of the African Development Bank ( AFDB), Dr Akinwunmi Adesina; Head, Olujimi and Akeredolu Chambers, who also doubles
as Chairman, Ibadan branch of the Nigerian Bar Association ( NBA), Ibrahim Lawal, said with Akeredolu, there was no dull moment. Meanwhile, the New Nigeria People's Party’s ( NNPP) candidate for the forthcoming offcycle governorship election in Ondo State, Gbenga Edema, has described the late Akeredolu as one to always be remembered for his selflessness in the development and growth of the state, the South West, and the country at large.
Edema, who stated this in a tribute to celebrate the 68th post- humous birthday of the late Akeredolu, eulogised the former governor for championing the cause of the people and the voiceless during his tenure.